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MEMOIRS 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER, 



LIVERPOOL. 
BY THOMAS RAFFLES, LL. D. 

HIS SUCCESSOR IN THE PASTORAL OFFICE. 



How #yany fall as sudden, not as safe. Young, 



RFVSED BY THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION OF THE 
AMERICAN S. S. UNION. 



AMERICAN SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION, 

PHILADELPHIA: 

NO. 146 CHESNUT STREET. 



5 7 n 3 






MK2% 100* 



PREFACE 

BY THE AUTHOR, 

The volume now presented to the public , 
owes its origin to one of those mysterious 
events in Providence, which seem commis- 
sioned, at distant intervals, to alarm and ad- 
monish the Church of God. A loss so sudden, 
so awful, so universally deplored, as that of 
Mr. Spencer, demanded improvement. Many 
impressive discourses were delivered on the 
sad occasion, several of which have issued 
from the press. But his life was not less in- 
structive than his death ; and the more it was 
contemplated by his friends, the more deeply 
they felt the importance of rescuing from ob- 
livion those traits of his character, and cir- 
cumstances of his history, by which their own 
private circles had been interested. Upon 

my acceptance of the solemn office from 

3 



IV PREFACE. 

which he was so unexpectedly removed, his 
bereaved people, anxious to see some autho- 
rized memoirs of their beloved pastor em- 
bodied and preserved, committed the mourn- 
ful duty to my hands. My respect for the 
honoured dead, and attachment to the living, 
induced me to accept the charge : how I have 
executed the important trust reposed in me, I 
must now leave it with a candid public to 

decide. 

Thomas Raffles. 
Liverpool, February 15th, 1813. 



MEMOIRS 

OF THE 

REV. THOMAS SPENCER, 

The Reverend Thomas Spencer, was 
born at Hertford, England, January 21, 1791, 
He occupied the third place out of four who 
surrounded his father's table, but shared 
equally with them in the tender and affec- 
tionate solicitude of parents, who, placed in 
the midde sphere of human life, were respect- 
able for their piety, and highly esteemed in 
the circle in which a wise providence had al- 
lotted them to move. It cannot be expected 
that any thing peculiarly interesting should 
mark the early childhood of a youth, retired 
from the observation of the world, and far re- 
moved from the presence of any of those cir- 
cumstances which might be considered as fa- 
vourable to the display of early genius. And 
yet the years of his infancy and childhood 
were not undistinguished by some intimations 
of a superior mind, from which a thoughtful 
observer might have been induced to augur 
something of his future eminence, and which 
nis amiable father it appears did with silence 
a2 5 



MEMOIRS OF THE 

watch. He himself observes, in a hasty sketch 
of his life, which now lies before me, — " As 
far back as I can recollect, my memory was 
complimented by many as being very reten- 
tive, and my progress in knowledge was more 
considerable than that of my school-fellows ; 
a natural curiosity and desire of knowledge, I 
think I may say, without vanity, distinguished 
even the period of my infancy. I now remem- 
ber questions that I asked when about four 
years old, which were rather singular, and 
which were confined chiefly to biblical sub- 
jects. No child could be more attached to 
places of worship, or could be more inquisi- 
tive about their concerns than myself; and 1 
may add, more given to imitate the actions of 
the minister and clerk." 

When he had completed his fifth year, he 
suffered the severest earthly privation a child 
can know, in the loss of an affectionate mother 
Though then too young correctly to appreci 
ate a parent's worth, he deeply felt the stroke 
and in the liveliest manner he recalls the im- 
pression which at that early period this me 
lancholy circumstance produced upon his ten 
der mind. " When the funeral sermon was 
preached I could not help noticing the grief 
which seemed to pervade every person pre- 
sent. Deeply affected myself, I recollect, that 
after the service, as I was walking about our 
little garden with my disconsolate father, I 
said to him, ' Father, what is the reason that 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER, 7 

so many people cried at the meeting this af- 
ternoon?' — He, adapting his language to my 
comprehension, said, ' They cried to see little 
children like you without a mother.' " This 
event, which shed so deep a gloom upon his 
family, seems to have excited emotions of a 
serious nature in his mind never totally effaced. 

From this time he applied himself with dili- 
gence and delight to the business of his school. 
There was at this early age something amiable 
and engaging in his manners ; and this, com- 
bined with his attention to his learning, soon 
secured the esteem and approbation of his re- 
spective teachers, and gained him, together 
with the first place and highest honours of his 
school, the character of " a good boy." It is 
pleasing to mark the early combination of su- 
perior talent and sweetness of disposition in 
this extraordinary young man ; and it would 
be well, did the patrons of early genius more 
deeply ponder the reflection, that the graces of 
a meek and quiet spirit are far more estimable 
than the rare qualities of a prematurely vigor- 
ous mind; and that the talents they cultivate 
with such anxious care, if unassociated with 
real excellence of soul, may render the idols 
of their fond adulation sources of anguish to 
themselves, afnd of incalculable mischief to 
mankind. 

Whilst a schoolboy, he became passionately 
fond of histories, adventures, &c. which he 
devoured with the greatest eagerness in num- 



b ME3I0IRS OF THE 

hers truly astonishing. The perusal of these 
he always preferred to play and other amuse- 
ments adapted to his years. He delighted 
much in solitude ; nor did he know a happi- 
ness superior to that of being alone, with one 
of his favourite books. He took no delight 
in the games of his companions, nor did he 
ever mingle in their little feuds. His natural 
levity, however, was excessive; yet he was 
not without his moments of serious reflection, 
and that of a very deep and dreadful kind. 
He was often overwhelmed with religious 
considerations, and the solemn sermons he 
sometimes heard, filled him with terror and 
alarm. So intolerable at one period were the 
horrors of his mind, that in an agony of de- 
spair, he was tempted, as many have been be- 
fore him, to destroy himself. Thus, at an early 
age he became intimately acquainted with the 
depravity^of his nature ; and from the deep 
waters of spiritual distress through which he 
was called to pass, his soul imbibed an air of 
humility and a habit of watchfulness, which 
enabled him to meet with firmness the dan- 
gers of popularity, and to maintain a steady 
course, notwithstanding the press of sail he 
carried. 

To these deep convictions of his early years 
may perhaps be traced the peculiarly pressing 
and impassioned manner of his address, when 
he strove to arouse the slumbering conscience, 
or direct the wearv wanderer to the cross of 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER, 9 

Christ. — The sacred poems and the passages 
of holy writ, which he most loved, were those 
of a cast similar to that of his own fervent 
mind ; and I have heard many tell, with tears, 
of the animation and rapture with which he 
would often repeat from that beautiftd hymn 
of Henry Kirk White, his favourite author, 
whom in many shades of character he much 
resembled, and, alas ! too much in his early 
and lamented fate — 

Once on the stormy seas I rode, 

The storm was loud, the night was dark ; 

The ocean yawned, and rudely blowed 
The wind that tossed my found'ring bark. 

Deep horror then my vitals froze ; 

Death-struck, I ceased the tide to stem, 
When suddenly a star arose, 

It was the star of Bethlehem. 

It was my guide, my light, my all, 

It bade my dark forebodings cease ; 
And through the storm of danger's thrall 

It led me to the port of peace. 

Now safely moored — my perils o'er, 

I'll sing, first in night's diadem, 
For ever and for ever more, 

The star ! — the star of Bethlehem. 

The bias and inclination of his mind began 
at this early period to be disclosed ; preachers 
and preaching seemed to occupy all his 
thoughts, and often he would exercise him- 
self in addressing such domestic congrega- 
tions as may be supposed to constitute the 



10 MEMOIRS OF THE 

usual auditories of an infant. Thus in his 
earliest childhood he displayed his fond at- 
tachment to the Christian Ministry, and the 
first efforts of his infant mind were directed 
to that sublime and dignified profession, in 
which the capacities of his maturer age were 
so brilliantly displayed. These infantine com- 
positions were not unfrequently entirely his 
own ; and when they claimed not the merit 
of originality, they were derived from hints 
collected from what he had heard or read. 
But his preaching exhibitions could not long 
be confined to the narrow circle and scanty 
congregation his father's house supplied ; tid- 
ings of his early pulpit talents soon circulated 
through the neighbourhood ; many were anx- 
ious to listen to the instructions of this extra- 
ordinary child ; and most regarded him, as he 
himself expresses it, " a parson in embryo" 

At this age also he wrote verses. He seems, 
however, to have had but a mean opinion of 
his talent for poetry. It certainly was not the 
art in which he most excelled. Though an in- 
dividual may have the power of rhyming suffi- 
cient for throwing his feelings into tolerably 
easy verse, yet something more than this is 
required in a production which, under the dig- 
nified title of a poem, is to meet the public 
eye. And while most men of an enlightened 
mind and cultivated taste have solicited the 
muses' aid for purposes of private instruction 
and amusement, and the domestic and social 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 11 

circle have been privileged to share in both ; 
yet it is not necessary to the perfection of the 
pulpit orator, that he should be an exquisite 
poet ; nor is it at all a detraction from the great- 
ness of his character, that the world should 
hesitate to pronounce unqualified praise upon 
poetical effusions, on which the eye or the 
ear of friendship might linger with delight. 

These observations will serve to account 
for the circumstance, that none of Mr. Spen- 
cer's poetical productions are preserved in 
these pages. And while some partial friends, 
who saw with pleasure the pieces which cir- 
culated in private, may regret for the moment 
their entire exclusion here, his biographer 
hopes, that he shall render a more essential 
service to the memory of his departed friend, 
by occupying their place with extracts from 
his papers of a more solid and interesting kind. 

These early displays of talent, however, in- 
troduced him to the notice and friendship of 
some individuals of wealth and consequence. 
This was doubtless considered by himself and 
his fond parent as no inconsiderable circum- 
stance in the history and prospects of a child, 
who, if he rose into eminence at all, could 
have no facilities afforded him, by the auspi- 
cious omens of his birth, or the rank of his 
father's family. But, alas ! the fond anticipa- 
tions which from this quarter he cherished, 
and perhaps with some degree of reason, were 
not all realized, to the full extent to which 



12 MEMOIRS OP THE 

his sanguine mind had urged them. It was 
doubtless well for him, however, that they 
were not. The disappointments of childhood 
will give a sober cast to the else too glowing 
pictures and too anxious hopes of youth ; and 
while they excite a caution in respect to the 
confidence we should place in the prospects 
that unfold themselves before us, admirably 
prepare the mind for the event, when the 
pledges of friendship lie long unredeemed, 
and the fair blossoms of hope are blasted and 
destroyed. 

In the mean time he applied himself with 
surprising diligence to the acquisition of 
knowledge. In his favourite pursuit he met 
with the most important aid, from the valuable 
friendship of the late Rev. Ebenezer White, 
then the pastor of the Independent Church at 
Hertford. — For this amiable and pious man, 
so early lost to the church of Christ, Mr. 
Spencer ever cherished and expressed the 
warmest affection ; whilst he survived but a 
few weeks the melancholy pleasure of paying, 
the last tribute of respect to his beloved re- 
mains, and giving utterance to the warm and 
authorized feelings of his heart, in a most 
impressive oration at his grave. From Mr. 
White he learned the rudiments of the Latin 
tongue ; and though the early removal of that 
gentleman to Chester deprived him of his kind 
and valuable assistance, yet his father, who 
had discernment to perceive, and wisdom to 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 13 

foster the unfolding talents of his son, afforded 
him the means of more ample instruction, by- 
sending him to the best school his native town 
supplied. Approbation cannot be expressed 
in language too unqualified of the conduct, in 
this respect, pursued by the parent of this 
amiable youth, who, though surrounded by 
every circumstance of a worldly nature to 
check its progress, yet nobly determined to 
afford every degree of culture, which such 
sacrifices as he might be able to make would 
yield to a mind which promised to rise supe- 
rior to the obscurity of its birth, and conse- 
crate at some future period no common share 
of genius to the noblest and the best of causes. 
Nor must these expressions pass unmingled 
with regret, that many important accessions 
are lost to the interests of religion and litera- 
ture by the neglect of ignorant, or the reluc- 
tance of sordid parents, who in the one case 
have not the capacity to discover talent, or in 
the other a disposition, where their worldly 
circumstances are narrow and scanty, to make 
any sacrifice of ease on their part, or expected 
emolument on that of the child, for its culti- 
vation. 

At about the age of twelve years, Mr. Spen- 
cer considers himself to have become the sub- 
ject of serious impressions of a deep and per- 
manent kind, and to have felt something 
experimentally of the power of religion. This 
most interesting circumstance he simply states 
B 



14 ME3I0IRS OF THE 

in the memoir of his life before referred to, 
but mentions no particulars respecting the 
mode in which these impressions were wrought 
upon his mind, or in what way they operated 
upon his character, his conduct, and his views. 
The general effect, however, he distinctly re- 
cords to have been that of heightening his de- 
sire of the Christian ministry, for which, it 
was strongly impressed upon his mind, God 
had destined him ; whilst it reconciled him to 
his present situation, which was most uncon- 
genial to the bias of his mind, and most un- 
friendly to the accomplishment of his ardent 
wishes ; for the circumstances of his father's fa- 
mily were at that time of such a nature as to ren- 
der his assistance necessary between the hours 
of school, and at length compelled his parent, 
however reluctantly, entirely to remove him. 
His removal from school, however, was not in 
consequence of his father's having abandoned 
the prospect of his one day entering on the 
work of the ministry, but an act dictated by pru- 
dence, which afforded him an opportunity pa- 
tiently to wait, and calmly to watch the leadings 
of Providence, and the occurrence of any cir- 
cumstances which might tend to fix the future 
destiny of his son. These prudential arrange- 
ments, however, were a source of the keenest 
anguish to the mind of Spencer. He bowed 
at first with reluctance to the yoke of manual 
labour when but partially imposed — rapidly 
performed the appointed task, and leaped 



REV. TH03IAS SPEXCER. 15 

witli joy from toils so repugnant to the ele- 
vated and ardent desires of his soul; to soli- 
tude and to books ; and when compelled en- 
tirely to leave his school and pursue from day 
to day the twisting of worsted, which he calls 
the worst part of his father's business, his 
grief was poignant and his regret severe. But 
religion, in early life, assumed in him her 
mildest and most amiable forms. Its charac- 
ters were those of uncomplaining acquiescence 
in the will of God, and cheerful resignation to 
his earthly lot. If, indeed, with patient sub- 
mission to the arrangements of Providence, 
he occasionally mingled a warm expression 
of desire, and suffered his imagination to dwell 
upon the bright visions of better days, and the 
animating promise of pursuits more congenial 
to the tone and inclination of his mind, which 
hope would give, till, for a moment, it seemed 
reluctant to return ; — it was natural ; — nor is 
it incompatible with the most perfect resig- 
nation to the divine will, thus to dwell on 
scenes of promised pleasure with delight. 
Such a combination of light and shade is 
beautiful in nature ; and not unfrequently in 
the history of a Christian's feelings does the 
sunshine of resignation break in upon the 
tears of sorrow, and produce a commixture of 
indefinable feelings, which, like the bow of 
heaven, are a pledge not unredeemed, of 
fairer scenery and happier days. 

He continued working- at his father's busi- 



16 MEMOIRS OF THE 

ness and in his father's house, for about a year 
and a half, anxiously expecting some situation 
to present itself more congenial to his wishes ; 
but no circumstance arose to interrupt the 
monotonous sameness of his every day's em- 
ploy. It seems, however, that he still attended 
to the cultivation of his mind, and never whollv 
lost sight of the Christrian ministry. Mean- 
while business languished, and his father was 
desirous of seeing him comfortably settled. 
Their mutual anxiety increasing to impa- 
tience, and his father reading on the cover of 
a Magazine an advertisement for a situation 
which appeared to be suitable, they set out 
for London ; but upon an interview with the 
advertiser they found very great difficulties in 
the way, and returned, with disappointment, 
to Hertford. 

Some weeks after this fruitless journey, Mr. 
Spencer was recommended by a friend to 
place his son with Messrs. Winwood and 
Thodey, respectable glovers in London, who 
also introduced him to Mr. Thodey's notice. 
The first interview between the parties was 
satisfactory ; every arrangement was made 
preparatory to his being bound apprentice, 
and Thomas soon after entered, in a new ca- 
pacity, this worthy gentleman's house. The 
services connected with his new situation, 
were far from grateful to the wishes of a heart 
still panting for the ministry, with an attach- 
ment not to be suborned ; some of them were 



REV. TH031AS SPENCER. 17 

such as his spirit, at first, but reluctantly sub- 
mitted to perform; yet aware that the provi- 
dence of God at that time pointed out no 
other path, he cheerfully acquiesced, and ex- 
changed, not without regret, the calm and 
tranquil enjoyments of an endeared domestic 
circle, for the society of strangers, the drudge- 
ry of a shop, and the bustle of the city. — But 
here, as formerly at school, his amiable man- 
ners — his modest behaviour, and engaging 
appearance, soon won the affection of the 
family, (which was large,) whilst his fervent 
piety and superior talents, excited emotions 
of a higher order. An extract of a letter, 
obligingly addressed to me from Mr. Thodey 
himself, will best record his manner of life, 
whilst under that gentleman's roof. 

" His appearance, his genuine modesty, 
diligence and integrity, created such an in- 
terest in our hearts, that we almost identified 
him as one of our own children ; he shared 
our privileges ; united with us in family de- 
votion ; and I occasionally took the same op- 
portunities of conversing with him on divine 
things which I had been accustomed to do 
with all those under my care. I well recol- 
lect one Sabbath evening, being thus engaged 
with him alone, when from his pertinent re- 
plies to some questions I put to him about the 
concerns of his soul and the importance of an 
interest in the Saviour, I perceived he possess- 
ed an uncommon share of talent and intellect. 
b2 



18 MEMOIRS OF THE 

This conversation gave me an impressive 
idea of his general knowledge of the doctrines 
of the gospel, and I saw in him the traits of 
a very strong and ardent mind." 

Whilst at Mr. Thodey's he conscientiously 
devoted himself to promote the interests of 
his employers, notwithstanding his natural 
aversion to business. He even became pe- 
culiary attached to the family, and receiving 
from them tokens of affectionate attention, 
superior to any thing he had a right to ex- 
pect, and of which he always spoke with 
gratitude, he became as happy as the circum- 
stances of his lot could possibly allow him 
to be. 

He describes the exercises of his mind and 
the mode in which he passed his time, during 
his residence in London, with great sim- 
plicity and feeling. 

" At this place my time was entirely em- 
ployed, as it was fit it should be, in executing 
the will of my two masters; for the young 
man, who was active and friendly, I formed a 
great attachment, and was indeed interested 
in the welfare of the whole family. Marks 
of respect were shown me, which were, I be- 
lieve, unusual to any of my predecessors. I 
made myself tolerably comfortable ; some dif- 
ficulties and disagreeable circumstances of 
course fell to my lot, yet upon the whole I 
had many enjoyments. My acquaintance, 
whilst here, increased : I was particularly in- 



REV. THOMAS SPENCEK. 19 

timate with several young* men, who indeed 
were rather above my station in life ; and 
more than two or three times did I give an 
exhortation at the house of a relative of the 
young man, who was my fellow servant. The 
opportunities 1 had of hearing the word were 
very delightful, and a higher relish was given 
to them by the toils and business of the week." 
To youth who may be placed in similar 
circumstances with the amiable subject of 
these memoirs, his mild and cheerful deport- 
ment in scenes so uncongenial to the bias of 
his mind, should prove a salutary and impres- 
sive lesson. Impatience and fretfulness are 
but ill adapted to the furtherance of any de- 
sign ; and a disposition to murmur, under the 
circumstances of our present lot, marks a state 
of mind most unfriendly to the patient suffer- 
ing of the toils, the anxieties and the disap- 
pointments inseparably connected with the 
ministerial life ; and whilst it is an obvious 
fact, that every young man possessed of piety 
cannot be employed as a preacher of the gospel, 
and who conceive themselves endowed with 
talents for that solemn office, and yet are placed 
in circumstances, which seem to forbid the 
indulgence of a hope they still cherish with 
an anxious pleasure ; — to such, the subsequent 
history of Mr. Spencer, will afford another 
striking proof, in an innumerable series, — 
that where God has actually called and quali- 
fied an individual for the ministry, he will, in 



20 MEMOIRS OF THE 

his own time, and by unexpected methods, 
make the path of duty plain before that indi- 
vidual's feet. Let no one, then, rashly attempt 
to break the connected chain of opposing cir- 
cumstances by which, in providence, he may 
be surrounded ; but rather wait in patience till 
the hand that has thus encircled him, opens a 
way, and by events, which may justly be con- 
sidered as intimations of the divine will, in- 
vites him to advance. 

These remarks, the result of frequent ob- 
servations on the ways of God in cases similar 
to this, not improperly connect the future 
scenes of Mr. Spencer's life, with those we 
have already contemplated. For the time has 
now arrived, that the cloud which had hover- 
ed over his future prospects should be dissi- 
pated, and another path,- — a path to which he 
had from infancy directed his attention with 
fond anticipation and intense desire, present 
its varied and momentous objects of pursuit 
for the cheerful, but, alas ! the short-lived ex- 
ercise of his superior powers. After a resi- 
dence of about four months with his employ- 
ers, circumstances occurred of such a nature 
as to render his services no longer necessary, 
on which account he left London and returned 
for a while to his parents at Hertford ; but 
some time previous to the event which caused 
his departure from London, he had been intro- 
duced to the notice of Thomas Wilson, Esq. 
the benevolent and indefatigable Treasurer 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER, 21 

of the Academy for educating young men for 
the work of the ministry, at Hoxton. Mr. 
Wilson perceived in him piety and talents far 
above his years. His whole appearance and 
his engaging manners excited in that gentle- 
man's breast, an interest in this amiable youth, 
which he never lost; and he gave it as his 
decided opinion, (without elating him with 
a hope, of the ultimate failure of which there 
was still a probability,) that his views should 
in some way or other be directed towards the 
ministry. 

This revolution in Mr. Spencer's affairs was 
not unnoticed or unimproved by Mr. Wilson, 
who wisely regarding it as a favourable op- 
portunity for carrying into effect those gener- 
ous designs respecting him, which from their 
first interview he had cherished, sent for him ; 
conversed with him upon the subject, and in- 
troduced him to the Rev. William Hordle, of 
Harwich, a gentleman to whose care some of 
the young men were committed, whose youth or 
other circumstances did not allow of their imme- 
diate entrance into the Academy, though they 
were considered as proper objects of its patron- 
age. To this gentleman at length, Mr. Wilson 
proposed to send Mr. Spencer for trial of his 
talents and piety, and for preparatory studies ; 
a proposition to which Mr. Spencer acceded 
with unfeigned gratitude and joy. The time 
fixed for his entrance into Mr. Hordle's family, 
was Januarvl806. The interval between this 



22 MEMOIRS OF THE 

period and that of his departure from London, 
which was in October, 1805, he spent in his 
father's house, and for the most part in his 
father's business. 

At Harwich Mr. Spencer was completely 
in his element. He commenced the year 1806 
in Mr. Hordle's family, and was then about 
completing the fifteenth of his own life. At 
this interesting age, when the powers of the 
mind begin rapidly to unfold, — when a tone 
is often given to the future cast of thought, and 
sentiments and habits are imbibed and formed, 
which constitute the basis or become the germ 
of the matured and finished character ; — it 
was a circumstance peculiarly auspicious in 
the history of this lamented youth, that he was 
introduced to the pious and enlightened care 
of such a man as Mr. Hordle. In his preach- 
ing, in his lectures, and in his conversation, 
he saw most admirably applied, those elemen- 
tary principles of theological science, the 
scholastic forms of which must else have been 
unintelligible or insipid to his mind. In the 
liberal and sacred current of his habitual 
thought, Mr. Spencer would find a safe chan- 
nel for the yet infant stream of his own con- 
ceptions ; whilst he would imperceptibly form 
his character upon that mild, correct, and 
amiable model, constantly before him. 

And to the diligent improvement of his 
peculiar advantages, perhaps, may in part be 
attributed that early maturity at which Mr. 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 23 

Spencer's capacity for the sacred office had 
arrived. He had the seriousness, and the re- 
flection of the pastor, while but a student; 
ind when he actually entered on that holy 
office, the exercises of the pulpit, and the 
habits of his ministerial life, bespoke the know- 
ledge of long experience, rather than of recent 
theory, and indicated the presence of a mas- 
ter's, not a learner's hand. 

At Harwich his diligence was exemplary : 
a judicious course of learning was marked out 
for him by his respected tutor, which he con- 
scientiously and unweariedly pursued ; but 
besides this, he had the use of an excellent 
library, with rich supplies from which he 
amply occupied his leisure hours. He had 
made considerable progress in the Latin ; and 
soon after his introduction to Mr. Hordle, he 
commenced, under his direction, the study of 
the Hebrew. With this sacred language he 
was particularly pleased, and soon demon- 
strated his attachment and his diligence, by 
completing, with considerable labour, an 
abridgment of Parkhurst's Hebrew Lexicon. 
This work he accomplished in a small pocket 
manual, which proved of considerable use to 
him, and was almost his constant companion.* 

* Of this manual he made two fair copies, one of 
which is in the possession of his tutor, and the other 
is amongst the papers from which these Memoirs 
are supplied. The design is honourable to his judg- 
ment, and the execution to his perseverance and hia 
accuracy at that early age, 



24 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Here, too, he first became acquainted with 
the principles of Moral Philosophy ; and whilst 
from the lectures of Doddridge, and the essays 
of Locke, his mind derived vigour and energy ; 
from the study of the Latin poets, and the 
classic authors of our own country, it gained 
amusement, and his compositions gradually 
assumed an air of elegance and ease. 

But not only in literature and science was 
his progress conspicuous during his residence 
at Harwich ; he also made considerable ad- 
vances in the knowledge and experience of 
divine things. That religion was the object 
of his chief regard and dearest to his heart, 
in the midst of all his studies, which yet he 
pursued with diligence and ardour, is evident 
from the uniform strain of his letters to his 
most intimate and beloved friend Mr. Heward, 
whose fellow labourer he had been at Mr. 
Thodey's, and the privation of whose society 
he seemed deeply to deplore. His views of 
the Christian ministry became more and more 
consistent, and the impression of its vast im- 
portance more deep and solemn on his mind. 

With Mr. Hordle he would sometimes in- 
dulge in the most free and unreserved conver- 
sation on the state of his heart, and his pri- 
vate walk with God. In such converse he 
was always much affected ; and being suscep- 
tible, from the constitution of his nature, of 
the most delicate impressions and the keenest 
feelings, it may be well supposed that in re- 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 25 

Jigion he would deeply feel. Hence the ten- 
derness of his conscience, and the suscepti- 
bilty of his mind, would often overwhelm his 
bosom with convictions of guilt, and agitate 
him with unnumbered inward conflicts. Yet 
in the midst of all he evidently grew in spi- 
ritual strength — his mind acquired confidence 
— his principles became daily more and more 
confirmed — and he had advanced far in a 
deep and experimental acquaintance with the 
ways of God, at an age when such advance- 
ment is rarely to be found. 

V/hilst at Harwich he regularly shared with 
M?. Hordle the pleasing duty of conducting 
t\ie devotions of his family, and frequently 
performed the sacred service with an enlarge- 
ment of heart, a fervour and propriety of ex- 
pression truly astonishing. But this was a 
circumstance he particularly wished should be 
concealed ; his modesty and diffidence shrunk 
from the observation of men, even of his near- 
est friends ; and in one of his letters to his 
friend* he writes, " My situation is comfort- 
able, more so than ever; I am considered 
like one of the family ; of an evening I gene- 
rally, by Mr. Hordle's desire, engage in family 
prayer ; he in the morning. O tell it to no- 
body on any account. When he is out I always 
do." 

The detail of minute particulars may be 

* Mr. He ward. 
C 



26 MEMOIRS OF THE 

uninteresting and insipid, to those who knew 
not the beloved original, the outlines of whose 
character these pages but imperfectly present ; 
but those who were familiar with him will 
dwell with pleasure on the faintest lineament 
that may be here preserved of a dear departed 
friend, so ardently, so deservedly esteemed ; 
whilst a combination of these varied and re- 
tired beauties may form a portrait on which 
the eye of a stranger may dwell with admira- 
tion, and the mind reflect with profit. Confi- 
dent of this, his biographer pauses to record 
another and a pleasing trait of character at 
this early age — the peculiar warmth and con- 
stancy of his friendship. He seems, indeed, 
at this period to have had but one bosom 
friend, except those of his own immediate fa- 
mily ; to him his letters breathe an affection 
the most glowing, spiritual, and pure; and 
perhaps no little incident more strikingly dis- 
plays the tender cast of his mind than that 
which he himself relates, with great simplicity, 
in a letter to his friend : — 

" This morning we read (Mr. H. and my- 
self) the second night of Young's Night 
Thoughts — the very place that treats of friend- 
ship ; I was rather affected at the reading of 
it ; and after it was finished, and we were 
alone, I told him (Mr. H.) I w r as no stranger 
to Young's sentiments in that place. He asked 
me c If I had lost any friends V I told him 
no — not by death. He asked me < if I had by 



REV. THOMAS SPENCEE, 27 

treachery V Oh no, Sir. < How then V Only 
by separation /" 

Thus in pleasant and familiar intercourse 
with one for whom he mingled veneration with 
affection, and of whom he never ceased to 
speak with all the rapturous energy of grati- 
tude and filial love — in exercises and pursuits 
every way adapted to satisfy his ardent thirst 
of knowledge — in scenes and in society con- 
genial to the tone and bias of his mind — in 
conscientious preparation for closer studies 
and severer labour, previous to his entrance 
on that sacred office long the object of his 
choice — and in deep communion with himself 
and God — did he pass the allotted period of 
his stay at Harwich. 

As the term (one year) fixed for his resi- 
dence with Mr. Hordle drew towards its close, 
his anxiety considerably increased ; he antici- 
pated, with regret, a departure from scenes 
and society so much endeared to him ; and the 
trial through which he was to pass previous to 
his admission into the academy, at Hoxton, 
when viewed in connection with his youth, 
excited in his mind considerable apprehension 
and dread. But the hope of success never 
entirely abandoned him ; whilst the pleasing 
prospect of being again associated with his 
friend, who had by this time entered as a stu- 
dent in the same academy, tended not a little, 
to gladden and animate his heart. 

In November he drew up a statement of 



28 MEMOIRS OF THE 

his religious experience, his views of theologi- 
cal truth, and his reasons for desiring the 
christian ministry, according to a standing or- 
der of the academy with respect to young men 
proposing themselves as candidates for its pa- 
tronage. These papers, written in a style of 
dignified simplicity, and disclosing a know- 
ledge and experience of divine things, which 
in a youth, scarcely sixteen years of age, must 
have excited the admiration of all to whom 
they were submitted, — were duly presented 
to the committee, and passed, though not with- 
out some difficulty, arising from his age ; but 
the extraordinary qualifications he appeared to 
possess, and the strong recommendations of his 
friend and tutor, Mr. Hordle, overcame this 
obstacle, and the 5th of January following was 
appointed for his personal appearance before 
the constituents of that institution, in or- 
der to give them a specimen of his talents for 
public speaking. 

Mr. Spencer left Mr. Hordle's family on the 
18th of December, and spent the interval of 
time between his departure from Harwich and 
the day of his examination at Hoxton (which 
was postponed to the 7th of January) at his 
father's house at Hertford. 

At this interesting period of Mr. Spencer's 
life, it will be perhaps gratifying to the reader 
to pause, and gain a more familiar acquaint- 
ance with him, than can be supplied by a nar- 
ration of events and circumstances in his his- 



RET. THOMAS SPEISCEE. 29 

tory, by perusing some extracts from his cor- 
respondence and other papers, which will 
throw much light upon the formation of his 
character, and afford a pleasing specimen of 
his early genius. 

I have now before me a packet of letters 
addressed to his friend Mr. Reward, dated at 
various periods, from October, 1805, to De- 
cember, 1806. Though at the commence- 
ment of this correspondence he had not attain- 
ed his 15th year, yet these letters breathe a 
spirit of the purest piety, and often express 
sentiments by which age would not be disho- 
noured, and in a style remarkably correct and 
vigorous. But the reader shall participate 
also in the pleasure which the perusal of this 
interesting correspondence — this simple and 
unaffected utterance of early piety and friend- 
ship, has afforded me. 

Hertford, Oct. 16, 1805. 
" As for the manner in which I have 



and do employ my time : my father employs 
me either in writing or in his business, more 
than I expected. What leisure time I do have, 
which is but little, I employ in reading, wri- 
ting, and meditation. 1 hope he will not press 
upon me that employment which I dislike, but 
which however I have been engaged in. 

" Mr. Wilson wrote a letter to my father, 
the substance of which is as follows : he in- 
forms him that if it is possible he will get a 
c 2 



30 MEMOIRS OF THE 

minister to take me, in order to see more of 
my piety and talents; and hopes that it will 
be agreeable for me to be at home with my 
father till Christmas. 

" These are the circumstances under which 
I am now placed. I know it is my duty to be 
submissive and resigned to the will of God ; 
but this is a lesson which, like all others, is 
to be learned at the cross of Christ: 'tis there 
alone my dear friend, we can study all hea- 
venly graces and duties." 

It is pleasing to observe with what deep se- 
riousness of mind he conducted those favourite 
exercises in exhortation and in preaching, be- 
fore referred to; and with what humility and 
even thankfulness he listened to the animad- 
versions of any who were disposed to criti- 
cise. In another part of the same letter he 
says : 

" I am not without hope, that I shall praise 
and adore a blessed God for the ill opinions 
those persons formed of me, who heard me 

preach at Mr. T 's. Methinks I cannot 

be thankful enough to you for informing me 
of it. It has I trust made me more watchful 
and prayerful than before ; that I may be ac- 
counted righteous not in the sight of men, 
but in the view of a sin-avenging God. Thus 
we may see a little of the dealings of Provi- 
dence with his children. When he distresses 
them in any way he does it for their good 



EEV. THOMAS SPEIsCER. 31 

Jill things, saith the inspired Apostle, work 
together for good to them that love God, and 
are called according to his purpose. — Since 
that evening I have felt a little more comfort 
in my own mind respecting eternal things. 
God forbid it should be a false peace. Hope 
you keep close to a throne of grace in personal 
prayer. It is from thence we are to draw all 
our comfort; it is there we can get a soul- 
transforming spiritual view of Jesus ,* it is from 
thence we get every necessary weapon, where- 
with to combat our spiritual enemies. 

" So often called away to attend to different 
things, like you, I cannot say I have written 
such a letter as I could wish. If I should be 
placed under a minister, I think I should have 
more opportunity for writing long letters. — 
However let us, whenever an opportunity of- 
fers, write to each other. Such love as ours 
is not easily quenched. Let us then manifest 
it by writing to each other, so as to stir up one 
another to the exercise of every Christian 
grace. Still let us keep our eye upon the 
Lord Jesus Christ, and be constantly con- 
cerned to honour his holy name, by a consist- 
ent walk and conversation. Then shall we 
meet to part no more, and dwell for ever with 
tmr Jesus, in upper, better, brighter worlds." 

Soon after it was determined that he should 
go to Harwich for a twelvemonth, he wrote 
again to his friend Mr. Heward, and the fcl* 



32 MEMOIRS OF THE 

lowing extract from his letter shows the hum- 
ble, grateful, and devotional habit of his mind, 

Hertford, J\ov. 12, 1805. 
" I join with you in saying, c how wonderful 
are God's ways.' We indeed little thought 
that Mr. H. was the person under whom I 
should be instructed, when we were at Hox- 
ton, hearing him preach, or I when I breakfasted 
with him : at the same time, I cannot forbear 
adoring that favour which is shown to me from 
God : me who am utterly unworthy of the least 
of all God's mercies. Gopdness and mercy 
have hitherto followed me, and, I doubt not, 
will through my life. May that goodness 
which was so gloriously displayed in the sal- 
vation of sinners, and that mercy which has 
snatched so many brands from the burning, 
be our consolation all through life — our joy 
in death — and the burden of our song to all 
eternity." 

The following observations are worthy of a 
much older pen, and display a judgment and 
discretion rather unusual in a lad, not yet fif- 
teen years of age. 

November 13. 

" You informed me in your last that your 
desires for the work of the ministry had not 
at all abated. I sincerely wish that they may 
be fulfilled, and that you and I may be fellow 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER, 33 

labourers in the Lord's vineyard. God cer- 
tainly can do this for us ; let us pray that he 
may. You still appear dubious of your own 
ability for that important work. I would have 
you consider, that God works by whom he will 
work. He has many ministers in his church, 
real sent ministers, who have not those great 
gifts that distinguish many of his servants ; 
and not only so, but these men have often been 
the means of doing more good than those of 
great talents — and what is the reason of this ? 
Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy 
sight, — is all that we must say. And you, 
my worthy friend, should also remember, that 
as yet you cannot form any idea of your own 
abilities. As I have often told you, when I 
lived with you, I doubt not your abilities, 
when improved by application to study, &c 
will be as fit for that employ (if it be the will 
of God) as any other. God, you know, in 
every thing acts as a sovereign : ' / will work, 
and who shall let it? is his language — will 
work by the feeblest means, and the weakest 
instruments. I hope you will still be kept 
low in your own eyes, for that I am sure, is 
one quality, or rather property of a gospel 
minister. At our best estate we are alto- 
gether vanity, and less than nothing. May 
the Lord keep us all truly humble. Luther 
used to say, there were three things made a 
minister — affliction, meditation, and prayer: 
that is, sanctified affliction, scriptural medita- 



34 MEMOIRS OF THE 

tion, and earnest prayer; in which last parti- 
cular I hope you are perpetually engaged , 
Pray, my dear friend, for direction of God — 
pray for grace, which is of more value, by far, 
than great gifts, and say in the language of 
resignation, hope, and faith — ' Here am i, 
Lord, send me to labour in thy vineyard S 
You have appealed to me in saying, ' You 
w r ell know, I shall never rely on my own 
strength for success and usefulness.— I know 
you will not, (at least whilst in your present 
mind) and I pray that God would keep you 
still so determined. Let us then pray, that 
we may both of us be made able, useful, and 
humble ministers of the New Testament. 

" I am glad to find, that you generally hear 
three times a day. Young men, who wish to 
be ministers, cannot hear too much of the 
gospel, provided they are anxious to improve 
on what they do hear." 

Hertford, December 31, 1805. 

" my dear friexd, — I think myself very 
happy in having such a friend as you prove 
yourself to be. I know affection towards me 
is too deeply rooted in you ever to be erased 
by separation. Life's greatest blessing is a 
well chosen friend, and I do feel it so. You 
cannot imagine (only by your own feelings) 
what pleasure I take in recollecting past 
scenes, and recalling to mind occurrences re- 



REV. TH03IAS SPENCER. 35 

lating only to us, which never shall be for- 
gotten. I hope we have the same c friend that 
sticketh closer than a brother.' I am affected, 
peculiarly affected, when I read the solemn 
confessions you make of depravity, &c. You 
know Paul acknowledged himself the chief 
of sinners. When, therefore, you are bowed 
down under a sense of sin, look unto Jesus ; 
there only salvation is to be found for those 
who, like you, are sensible of sin, But I verily 
believe my friend has already been washed in 
the fountain of his blood. Yes, I doubt not 
but you have passed from death unto life ; 
therefore, instead of writing bitter things 
against yourself, rejoice in Christ Jesus 
whilst you have no confidence in the flesh. — 
Ah ! my friend, you know not fully how I have 
lifted up my puny arm in rebellion against 
God ; so that I cannot think myself a whit be- 
hind the chief of sinners. Young as I am, I 
am a great sinner; but blessed be God, who 
has, I hope, given us both a good hope through 
grace ; to him be all the glory. 

" I shall, I expect, be in town a day sooner 
than was intended, viz. Wednesday the 8th ; 
my father will not come till the next day. 

Mr. F >, in his letter, mentions a desire 

that I would give them a lecture (in the old 
way) at his house in the evening. I am very 
willing to do it, and I hope we shall have your 
company." 



36 MEMOIRS OP THE 

Harwich^ February 6, 1806. 

"my dearest friend, — I with pleasure 
embrace the opportunity which now offers 
itself of writing you a few lines for the first 
time since I have been here. While I hope 
you enjoy your health, I can say I never was 
better in my life than I have been since I have 
been at Harwich. The air is very cold and 
healthy : I am sure I have felt the difference. 
Mr. Hordle preaches three times on a Sabbath 
day, and is very well attended, and on Wed- 
nesday evenings ; prayer meeting on Monday 
night. I doubt not but you will join with me 
in returning thanks to the All-wise Disposer 
of events for placing me in that comfortable 
situation which I now fill. I live with Mr. 
H. entirely ; his study is where I pursue my 
learning, and in an afternoon I meet his boys 
(there are only nine) at his vestry, to say a 
lesson or two with them. I learn Latin, Geo- 
graphy, and have got a considerable way in 
Doddridge's Lectures on Pneumatology, in 
which now and then I meet with a philoso- 
phical subject; indeed, my dear friend, I 
really am very comfortable. O ! that my im- 
provement may keep ^^ce with the advantages 
I enjoy. 

" But, my dearest friend, what a separation 
between us. I often think of you when in 
this study pursuing my learning — think ! did 
I say? I cannot help thinking of you, and I 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER, 87 

will cherish every tender thought of a friend 
I so much love. Ofttimes I think that of an 
evening, when we are surrounding the family 
altar, you are engaged in the busy concerns of 
life — whilst I am enjoying the advantages of 
a kind teacher, a good library, and various 
other blessings, you are behind the counter 
of a glove shop. Yet do not despair. I hope 
we shall some future day enjoy one another's 
company, and these advantages connected with 
it. When I walk out, as I in general do every 
day for exercise, I imagine you to be here — 
I converse with you — I see you — and fancy 
many other enjoyments, which perhaps will 
not come so soon. When I last saw you, I 
was exceedingly vexed that we could not have 
half an hour together in private; but, how- 
ever, I know you regard me still — and am 
sure I love you much ; and it is some pleasure 
to think that we can yet pray for one another. 

do not forget me, unworthy as I am, in your 
approaches to the throne of grace. Pray that 

1 may not abuse my privileges ; but that whilst 
I am here it may be manifest that I am pos- 
sessed of a principle of divine grace in my 
heart. But I hope I need not mention this to 
you, for you do, I tru ' still remember me in 
your best moments. I have not forgot the 
pleasure I experienced the last time I saw you 
in London, nor the affectionate manner in 
which you conversed with me from Mr* 
F 's to my cousin's the last evening. 

D 



38 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" I had a very tedious journey here, as I 
could not sleep all night in the coach. But I 
think I am well repaid. I did not imagine 
that I should be treated with such care ; I 
have a nice little bed to myself; and, in short, 
am surrounded with blessings. I take some 
pleasure in contrasting my present situation 
with what it was when at Mr. Thodey's ; but 
after I have considered the peculiar advan- 
tages of this to that, I find that there was one 
pleasure I enjoyed there which I do not here — 
that of your company and conversation ; and 
thus is life made up of hopes and fears, plea- 
sures and pains. May we be among those 
who are strangers and sojourners here, who 
seek a better country. 

" The evening I generally employ in pro- 
miscuous reading, as the time is then, as it 
were, my own. As I come home from the 
vestry about an hour before the other boys, 
from that time till tea I am engaged in secret 
meditation, reading God's word, and prayer 
to him. Ah ! Thomas, you are then more on 
my mind than during the other parts of the 
day, for I cannot but remember how often you 
have pressed on me the duty of private prayer ; 
and indeed, my friend, you are then most re- 
membered by me in the best sense. I do 
continue to pray for you ; and I hope God will 
hear our petitions for one another, and send 
us answers of peace. I beg of you, I entreat 
you, to be earnest in supplication for me, that 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 39 

if God has appointed me for the work of the 
ministry, I may be fitted for it, and have a di- 
vine blessing attending me in all I undertake. 

" Mr. H. bids me write now and then the 
heads of a sermon of my own, and show it 
him. I have yet only done one : it met his 
approbation. 

"Be so kind as to remember me to Mr. 

F , &c. &c. — I suppose you like your 

business as little as ever ; but I hope you will 
soon be put in a situation where you will en- 
joy yourself more — I mean in the best enjoy- 
ments. I still hope that we, formed for each 
other's comfort, shall yet be made blessings to 
each other, and that in a particular way. Then 
let the conceited, covetous worldling say, 
' Friendship is but a name' — we know it is 
something more — it is a great blessing; and 
where the friends have grace in their hearts, 
it is so eminently and especially. David and 
Jonathan found it so. I often think of your 
noticing particularly that expression, their 
souls were knit together. Dr. Young thought 
so when he said, ' poor is the friendless master 
of a world. 5 I am thankful that I have had 
such a friend cast in my way, that will be, I 
trust, a blessing to me all through life, and 
that will dwell with me in a better world. 
May the hope of that happiness stimulate us 
to more resignation to the divine will, and 
holy disdain of the vanities of time and sense. 

" And now, my dear friend, my letter draws 



40 MEMOIRS OF THE 

to a close ; I can scarcely forbear tears while 
I write it. I hope you will overlook its very 
visible imperfections, and remember, that it 
comes from one that loves you. Need I again 
beseech you to pray for me, that I may find 
mercy of the Lord, be blessed with every 
blessing here below, and crowned with glory 
hereafter. 

" Write me what religious intelligence you 
know I am ignorant of: I see the Magazine 

here and other periodical works. And now 

I desire to commit myself, my dear friend, and 
all our concerns, into the hands of a covenant 
God ; and wishing you every blessing, I rest 
your ever faithful and affectionate friend, 
"THOMAS SPENCER." 

Harwich, April 4, 1806. 
" My Dearest Friend, — I received, with 
the greatest pleasure, your letter of the 29th 
of February, together with my father's ; and, as 
I was sorry you did not write to me before, so 
was I equally grieved at the cause : I sympa- 
thise with you in your afflictions, and hope 
that you are now quite recovered and — the 
rest of the family. I believe you when you 
say, it affords you so much pleasure to hear of 
my welfare. O ! Thomas, pray for me that 
my very comforts do not become snares. I 
should like to have had more of the heads, 
texts, &c. of the sermons you have heard in 
London ; and hope that you find the ministry 



REV. THOMAS SPEXCER. 41 

of Mr. K — , and those you hear at Hoxton, 
beneficial to your soul ; for it is my earnest, 
desire that, under the influences of the sacred 
Spirit, your soul may be like a well-watered 
garden. I (of course) hear Mr. H. three times 
on the Sabbath day, and I think I can say it 
has been to my profit : his sermons are indeed 
very judicious, experimental, and practical, 
and I find it to be just the preaching* I want. 
I keep a book, in which I put down the heads 
of most his sermons, which, when it is full, I 
intend (if you would like) that you shall see. 
I suppose of an evening we have not less than 
four hundred and fifty people ; in the day time 
not quite so many. There is a band of sing- 
ers in the table pew, generally a bass viol is 
played, and Mr. H. preaches in a gown, and I 
think the people are more attentive than any 
T ever saw. Once in a fortnight Mr. H. 
preaches at the Work-house : I have been twice, 
and I like it very much. In the week day I 
go to the Methodist chapel, and sometimes 
hear a good sermon there. 

"I am very glad that you informed me of 
Mr. F.'s and Mr. W.'s conversation. I liked 
it all very well, except that about my preaching, 
and indeed I had much rather that Mr. F. had 
not mentioned that for various reasons. If 
you have heard any more, pray tell it me. 

"I hope that while your aversion to the 
cares of the world increases, your spiritual af- 
fections are more animated, and your whole 
d2 



42 ME3I0IRS OF THE 

soul, from day to day, transformed more into 
the likeness of our lovely Jesus. 

" 6 The effectual fervent grayer of a righte- 
ous man availeth much.' — You seem peculiarly 
pleased with this passage ; observe, therefore, 

" 1st. — That it is the righteous, God re- 
gards ; — those who are redeemed by the Son's 
blood— loved by the Father's grace— sanctified 
by the Spirit's influence. — Those who are 
weaned from the vanities of earth and time ; 
whose affections are set on things above ; — in 
a word, who are born of God, and bound for 
heaven. 

" 2d. — That they must pray. — Prayer is the 
breath of the new-born soul ; a believer cannot 
live without it, for 

4 Prayer makes the darkened cloud withdraw, 

Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw ; 

Gives exercise to faith and love, 

And brings down blessings from above.' — Newton. 

" 3d. They must pray fei'vently. i Cold 
prayers,' saith one, * do but beg a denial.' In 
vain we offer up lifeless devotion to a heart- 
searching and rein-trying God. 

" 4th. — These prayers are effectual, and 
avail much ; they avail much in the sanctify- 
ing of our souls, and forming Christ there. 

" Pardon this digression, as these thoughts 
have just sprung from my own mind. 

" I hope you continue to enjoy your Sab- 
baths more than ever ? How delightful it is 



REV. TH03IAS SPENCER. 43 

to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days 
of our life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, 
and inquire in his temple.'* 

" I cannot yet give up the thought that we 
shall soon live together again ; if we are 'to be 
so favoured, how thankful should I be ! if not, 
we must learn to know no will but God's, and 
acknowledge that the Judge of all the earth 
will do right. As yet let us not despair, but 
commit all our concerns into the hands of 
our covenant God and heavenly Father. We 
know he will do all things well. 

" ' Wherein appears the possibility of a di- 
vine revelation V 

"'Why is it desirable?' &c. 

" I may consult books upon the subject, and 
here is a very good library. You will not for- 
get your promise to write in your next about 
grace thriving in your heart. As for me, it is 
with tardy steps I creep, sometimes joying, 
and sometimes sorrowing. And yet without 
boasting, I think I can say I have known more 
of heart religion since I have been here, 
than before. But O ! what a deal of pride, 
rebellion, carelessness, and all kinds of wick- 
edness is there in my heart; I tremble to think 
of what I deserve for my former levity, fee- 
But O pray for me that I may find grace in 
the eyes of the Lord, and live to some purpose 
in the world. I am afraid that there are yet 
improper motives in my desiring the work of 
the ministry. Since I have been here I have 



44 MEMOIRS OF THE 

seen some little of its nature, &c. I am sen- 
sible that no learning, or human qualifications 
are enough to fit me for that all important 
work ; and I hope that God will pour down 
showers of grace on me, instead of what I de- 
serve, ' vials of wrath.' When you give me a 
little account of your c growth in grace,' and 
how the lamp of religion keeps alive, I hope 
you will retrace some of the path in which the 
Lord your God has led you, and tell me some- 
thing of your former experience, present en- 
joyments and future hope. If you wish to go 
on from one degree of grace unto another, 
which I do not doubt, commune much with 
your own heart, read the Bible as much as 

possible, and above all things pray fervently ." 

# # # # # ' # 

" You say you should like to see the answers 
to the questions which I sent you ; having 
room, I will transcribe some of them for you. 

" Question. — ' How do you prove the ex- 
istence of a God, without referring to the 
Scriptures, or from the light of nature ?" 

"Answer. — '1st. All nations — Heathens, 
Jews, Mahometans, and Christians, — harmo- 
niously consent that there is a God, who crea- 
ted, preserves, and governs the world.' 

" ' 2d. There is a great impression of Deity 
on the mind of every man ; that is, an indis- 
tinct idea of his being, and a readiness to ac- 
quiesce in the truth of his existence.' 

" ' 3d. The works of creation demonstrate 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 45 

it ; their alterations and dependence prove 
them not to have been from eternity — they 
could not form themselves — chance could not 
produce them — matter cannot change its own 
form, or produce life or reason ; therefore there 
must be a God.' 

" 4th. It is argued from the support and go- 
vernment of the world — the heavenly bodies 
— seasons — weather — vegetables — sagacity 
and instinct of animals — herbs, &c.' 

" ' 5th. From the punishments which have 
been inflicted on nations and persons for their 
excessive immoralities.' 

" ' 6th. From the terror and dread which 
wound men's consciences when guilty of 
crimes which other men do not know, or are 
not able to punish or restrain, as in the case 
of Nero, Domitian, and others ; and that, too, 
when they laboured to persuade themselves 
and others, that there was no God,' &c. — 
See Brown, Doddridge's Lectures, Ridgely, 
Buck's Dictionary, fyc. 

" Question. — ' How do you prove that the 
Scriptures have been faithfully conveved to 
us'?' 

" Answer. — ' In translations, those books 
retain manifest marks of their Eastern ori- 
ginal.' 

" ' Notwithstanding all that Christ and his 
apostles inveighed against the wickedness of 
the Jews, they never charged them with cor- 
rupting a single text in the Bible. The various 



46 MEMOIRS OF THE 

sects among the Jews, viz. Pharisees, Saddu- 
cees, &c. have rendered it impossible that 
they could corrupt them, as well as the ani- 
mosities which have ever since prevailed be- 
tween the Jews and Christians, so that neither 
of them could vitiate these sacred oracles, 
without being shamefully detected. Had the 
Jews attempted to corrupt these sacred books, 
it would certainly have been in those passages 
in which the fearful wickedness of their na- 
tion is described, and Jesus Christ magnified 
and honoured ; but in none of them do we find 
the least mark of concealment or corruption. 
That they should be corrupted among Chris- 
tians, is equally incredible: such was the 
multitude of copies, hearers, readers, and 
even sects, among them, that it is impossible 
they should ever have succeeded. Through 
the errors of transcribers, &c. the comparer 
of a multitude of copies cannot fail to find a 
number of translations. 5 — See Brown's Views 
of Religion. 

" Question. — ' What proofs have you that 
man was at first created righteous and holy V 

"Answer. — '1st. Universal tradition; for 
all nations have supposed mankind to have 
once been in a holy and happy state.' 

" c 2d. The nature of things ; for it seems 
very improbable that so holy and so good a 
God should have formed mankind, in the ori- 
ginal constitution of their nature, in so cor- 
rupt and sinful a state.' 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 47 

" i 3d. The natural resemblance men have 
to God in the spirituality, intelligence, and 
immortality of their souls.' — Gen. ix. 6. 
James iii. 9.' 

' " ; 4th. The express declarations of Scrip- 
ture : Eccl. vi. 29. Gen. i. 26, 27. Colos. 
iii. 10. Eph. iv. 14.' 

" Wishing you every spiritual and tem- 
poral blessing, I remain your affectionate, 
though unworthy, friend, 

"Thomas Spencer." 

Harwich, October 14, 1806. 

" I please myself with the idea of seeing 
and conversing with you in the course of 
about ten weeks; but at that time there will 
be something else which I shall not so much 
admire. Do you ask me what it is? It is, 
my dear friend, nothing less than appearing 
before the committee of Hoxton Academy. 
The thought of it makes me almost tremble. 
Yesterday morning Mr. Hordle told me that I 
must prepare the account of my experience, 
sentiments, and motives for wishing the mi- 
nistry, by November, to be then laid before 
the gentlemen of the committee. This you 
know must be done ; and when I go to London 
about Christmas, I must go through all that 
painful task, which, as it respects you, is all 
over. He told me, too, that he supposed there 
would be some demur about admitting me, 
merely on the account of my youth ; but he 



48 MEMOIRS OF THE 

does not know that it will be so as to hinder 
my admittance. Mr. Wilson has, it appears, 
written to Mr. H. about it ; so, if the affaii 
succeeds well, I shall be in the Academy af- 
ter Christmas with you. That one circum- 
stance, your company and friendship, will 
make amends for all my trouble of mind on 
the occasion. You may be sure I shall com- 
municate every circumstance to you, and keep 
nothing back, that so by one occurrence and 
another, our mutual attachment and sincere 
friendship may be increased and strengthened. 
What a long separation we have experienced : 
may we be brought together again to strengthen 
each other's hands, and be both engaged in 
the best employment. You must inform me 
in your next, how long you think it will be 
before you begin to preach, and tell me all 
your places of preaching, texts, plans, &c. I 
hope you have written to my father, as I re- 
quested you would. I believe they are going 
on as usual at Hertford. Mr. M. continues 
among them. May great grace rest upon 
them all. I do not doubt that 1 shall feel 
some degree of uneasiness when the time 
comes for my separation from my friends here 
at Harwich. I mean such as Mr. Hordle, &c. 
&c. But my satisfaction will be, that I shall 
see you who are still, and I hope ever will be, 
my dearest friend. We live in a world of 
changes. Life is indeed a chequered scene. 
And here we have no continuing city. May 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 49 

we seek one to come. May it be our happi- 
ness to enjoy the favour of him who never 
changes, but is the same yesterday, to-day, 
and for ever. When I consider my exceeding 
sinfulness and depravity, besides my inability, 
I feel almost disposed to wish my views had 
never been directed towards the ministry ; but 
it does appear a call of Providence. How 
could I do any thing else than come here. 
And now, perhaps, a door may be opened 
even for my being a student at Hoxton ; but 
I shall go there under several disadvantages ; 
for, being so young, I may expect a good deal 
of contempt from some self-sufficient and 
arrogant students, (if such there are,) and you 
know they stay no longer than four years; 
and after that I shall be but twenty years old, 
and what can I then say to old experienced 
Christians ? I do indeed feel a deal of dis- 
couragement. < O may the Lord encourage 
me,' &c. But I shall come under some ad- 
vantages ; for, as I am not altogether ignorant 
of many things taught at Hoxton Academy, I 
shall find my studies easier than if I had to 
begin learning them, &c. I wish we could 
be in one class. Another disadvantage which 
Mr. Hordle has told me of is this — the stu- 
dents generally spend their money which 
they are paid for preaching, in books, &c. 
Now, I shall be too young to preach, for at 
least these four years; consequently I can 
have no books, &c. till that time. This ap- 
E 



50 MEMOIRS OF THE 

pears a very great disadvantage. However, I 
would wish to leave all in the hands of God. 
He knows what is best for me. And if I am 
one of those who love God, and are the called 
according to his purpose, he will make all 
things work together for my good. I want 
that calm disposition which is careful for no- 
thing, but in every thing by prayer and sup- 
plication makes known its requests unto God. 
I often reflect on the dealings of Providence 
with us, when I first came to Mr* T.'s. You, 
I suppose, had not the least prospect of being 
a student at Hoxton. And I could not see 
how my coming there to learn that business, 
could at all further my preparation for that 
sacred work. We there became friends. I 
was there just long enough to secure a worthy 
and affectionate friend, and to have the notice 
of Mr. Wilson. Now you, too, have left Mr. 
T., and are in the Academy. I went, you 
know, home, not knowing what the event 
would be. Providence has sent me here ; and 
O, c what am I, or my father's house, that he 
has brought me hitherto !' We are now blind 
of futurity. We know not where we shall be 
placed in future life; whether far from, or 
near to, each other. I hope you are happy in 
your own soul, and that you live near to God. 
There is a great danger of forgetting the con- 
cerns of our own souls, whilst we are con- 
stantly employed in studying divine things. I 
know a little of this from experience, and per- 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 51 

haps you do. I hope you continue to pray for 
me, that I may be kept from sin and evil, for 
you know, 'the effectual fervent grayer of a 
righteous man availeth much? " 

It cannot but be gratifying to the reader, 
to be presented with that deep impression of 
Mr. Spencer's call and qualifications for the 
Christian ministry, which his familiar inter- 
course with him had produced on Mr. Hor- 
die's mind. 

In a recent letter to a friend, that gentle- 
man observes : — 

" I have had but one opinion concerning 
our late young friend, which is — that he was 
born a preacher ; and as much called to it, as 
Jeremiah to the prophetic, or Paul to the 
apostolic office. All the powers of his soul 
were evidently formed for it. . While he was 
under my roof, preachers and preaching were 
the constant topics of his discourse ; and those 
studies which had an immediate reference to 
them were his delight. His remarkable gift 
in prayer, though then just turned of fifteen, 
astonished and pleased all that heard him. 
He usually took his turn in leading the devo- 
tions of our little family; and in his attend- 
ance on my ministry, I have sometimes seen 
the feelings of his heart in the tears that 
gushed from his eyes." 

In perfect accordance with these sentiments 
are those expressed by the same gentleman 



52 MEMOIRS OF THE 

in a letter to a friend at Liverpool, dated Har- 
wich, 13th December, 1811 : 

" Of his genuine piety, his fine imagination, 
his early attachment to theological pursuits, 
his love of study in general, his amiable dis- 
position, and the powerful bias of his mind to 
the work of the Christian ministry, I have re- 
peatedly declared my firm conviction ; and 
had divine Providence spared his valuable 
life, I have no doubt, as his judgment ripened, 
his character, excellent as it was, would still 
have improved." 

In a letter addressed to the Rev. Mr. Hor- 
dle, from Hertford, he observes : — 

" The day of my examination is now fixed 
for the 7th of January. To that day, dear sir, 
I look forward with trembling : may God grant 
me all that strength and boldness I shall then 
need. It is impossible for me to describe my 
feelings the night I left you. I tried to sup- 
press any outward expressions of them as well 
as I could. But O ! 'tis trying to part with 
friends who are become very dear to us ; but 
is it not, also, comforting to look forward to a 
never ending eternity, when those who are 
cemented into one glorious body by the bonds 
of divine love shall never part V 3 Afterwards 
he adds : — " For my part, I desire to be en- 
tirely his, (God's,) but still I find a heart of 
unbelief, ever prone to depart from the living 
God. 1 hope I feel my own unfitness for the 
important undertaking, for which it appears 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 53 

God designs me. May he keep me holy and 
humble, and fit me for all he has in reserve 
for me in the womb of providence, whether 
prosperous or adverse." 

In a subsequent letter, dated Hoxton, 25th 

March, 1807, he says — "I am told S , of 

Kingston, is going to Harwich : hope you will 
find him a blessing to your family, and when 
he shall leave you, may he review with as 
much pleasure the year 1807, as I do the year 

1806. 1 trust I shall be constantly enabled 

to obey the kind advice which you gave me, 
and to lay every human attainment at the foot 
of the cross of Jesus ; to dedicate all I have to 
him, of whom I would always esteem it my 
highest honour to learn ; to give up every 
thing that I may be called to sacrifice for the 
promoting of his glory, and constantly to seek 
not my own things, but the things which are 
Jesus Christ's." 

In another, towards the close of the year 
1807, he writes : — 

" I shall never forget the year I spent at 
Harwich; viewing one circumstance with 
another, I doubt not, but that it was as happy 
a twelvemonth as I shall ever live." 

With such mutual feelings and expressions 
of affectionate regard, was Mr. Spencer's 
departure from Mr. Hordle's family attended. 
And this review of them will not be in vain, 
if it suggests to the young persons who may 
contemplate this imperfect portrait, the vast 
e2 



54 MEMOIRS OF THE 

importance of that impression, which the con- 
duct of their childhood or their youth may 
leave in the scenes of their earliest association. 
For the most part, the character of the youth, 
is the character of the man. If, on the minds of 
his earliest companions, an unfavourable im- 
pression of his disposition or his conduct is pro- 
duced, there it is likely to remain ; but alas ! 
there it cannot be.confined ; it not unfrequently 
travels further than the person with whom it 
is connected, and the character is familiar 
where the countenance is unknown. Who that 
has a respect, then, for himself, but must be 
anxious that the impression, upon which so 
much depends, should be a happy one ; and 
that the correcter habits of maturer age should 
not be counteracted in their favourable opera- 
tion by the injurious fame, or unpleasant re- 
collections of his early years. 

But we must follow the amiable object of 
our contemplation to a new scene. 

The following are copious extracts from 
the papers which he submitted to the inspec- 
tion of the committee at Hoxton, on his 
former application for admission into that in- 
stitution : they were accompanied by a note 
to T. Wilson, Esq. 

Harwich, November 10, 1806. 

" Honoured Sir, — With diffidence I pre- 
sent the following account of my short expe- 
rience, doctrinal sentiments, and motives for 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 55 

wishing to engage in the solemn and import- 
ant work of the ministry, to your judgment 
and that of the committee. — I am, with the 
sincerest gratitude for your favours, your 
humble servant, Thomas Spencer." 

Harwich, Nov. 10, 1806. 

" It was my happiness to be born of parents 
who maintained a regard for real piety and 
the fear of God; by them I was, from my in- 
fancy, taught to read the Scriptures, together 
with other books of a serious nature. I think 
I may safely say, that from my childhood I felt 
some more than common impressions on my 
mind, with respect to the existence and perfec- 
tions of God, the evil and awful consequences 
of sin, and the advantages of being religious ; 
but, alas! these impressions, though so fre- 
quently felt, had not that abiding influence 
which they have had on the minds of others, 
but were like the c morning cloud and the 
early dew which passeth away? As I grew 
rather older, I began to perceive some excel- 
lences in religion, and to envy the happiness 
which I believed serious people enjoyed. I 
knew something of the form of religion and 
the doctrines of it, from having been taught 
catechisms, and lessons calculated to give 
youthful minds some idea of the worship and 
conduct which God requires. Yet notwith- 
standing this, I gave too much (far too much) 
attention to the reading of novels and roman- 



58 MEMOIRS OF THE 

ces, the unhappy effect of which I lament to 
the present day, Many of these books I pro- 
cured of lads, without the knowledge of my 
father. I felt a degree of pleasure in hearing 
lively, animated sermons; but I have reason 
to believe that this sprung from a desire to 
please my friends, and give myself an oppor- 
tunity of imitating the preacher's voice and 
gesture. I also composed little pieces of 
poetry on sacred subjects, which I have since 
destroyed, because I knew nothing of experi- 
mental, vital godliness, and of course was 
only mocking God in them; but I did not 
give up making verses. All this while I was 
totally ignorant of that divine principle of 
grace in the heart, without which, I am sen- 
sible, nothing we can do is acceptable to God. 
I knew nothing of the Holy Spirit's work, in 
convincing me of sin,- and leading me to Jesus 
Christ as my Saviour. I knew nothing of com- 
munion with God and with his Son. I hope 
some of the sermons of Mr. Ebenezer White, 
of Hertford, were not altogether useless to 
me, as well as some which I heard there at 
Lady Huntingdon's chapel ; but from my con- 
duct at that time, in various particulars, I 
cannot say that I had experienced what was 
meant by being born again. If you ask me 
from what time I date my conversion to God, 
I must say, that the exact time I cannot tell ; 
but I think I may say, that the Lord drew me 
gradually to himself, and that by degrees I 



REV. THOMAS SPENCEK. 57 

loved devotional exercises more and more ; 
and I hope that I have, within these four years, 
experienced many refreshing seasons. If you 
ask me how I wish to have my evidences 
brightened, as it respects a personal interest 
in the Lord Jesus Christ? I answer, that I 
desire to cast my all upon him, and wait his 
will concerning me. But however short my 
experience in the divine life has been, can I 
not appeal to God, and say, c Lord, thou 
kncnvest all things, thou knoivest that I love 
thee?" 

" I hope that my reasons for wishing to be 
a labourer in the Lord's vineyard are sincere, 
and that they do not spring from any improper 
motives. If I should be called into it, I pray 
that I may be kept faithful, and never shun 
to declare the whole counsel of God. As I 
know something of the excellency of the ways 
of wisdom, I am anxious that my fellow mor- 
tals may be partakers of the same grace, and 
that they may be brought to know God, and 
experience the riches of divine love and mer- 
cy in Christ Jesus : and if God should so ho- 
nour me, as to make me an instrument in his 
hand, of doing them real good, how happy 
should I be ! how willing to endure hardships 
for Jesus' sake ! As I trust God has given 
me a desire to act for his glory, and I know 
that he is glorified in the salvation of sinners, 
I am willing, if he should call me to the w r ork, 






58 MEMOIRS OF THE 

to engage in it. I am aware, that it is an 
arduous and a difficult work ; yet from these 
principles, I would fain be a faithful minister 
of Jesus Christ. I would follow the leadings 
of divine Providence. By the good hand of ' 
my God upon me, I am brought hitherto ; and 
although some circumstances are against me, 
yet, ' where he appoints, I'll go and dwell.' I 
am not quite sixteen years old, yet young as 
I am, I have committed many sins, and expe- 
rienced many mercies.— Now unto him that 
is able to keep me from falling, and to present 
me. before the presence of his glory with ex- 
ceeding joy, be glory and majesty, dominion 
and power, for ever and ever. Amen." 

On the 7th of January he appeared at Hox- 
ton, before the committee, and underwent the 
examination which he had so long and so 
anxiously anticipated — with success and ho- 
nour; was admitted a student, and became 
immediately an inmate of the house. In a let- 
ter to his friend, Mr. Hordle, dated Hoxton, 
January 21st, 1807, he says — 

" Two things make this day remarkable to 
me — one is, that it is my birth day, as I am 
now sixteen years old; the other is, that 1 
have been a fortnight in this house. On Wed- 
nesday, the 7th inst., that long dreaded day — 
I appeared before the committee. Your im- 
agination may represent a little boy speaking 
before them. I felt a good deal of timidity, 
and waited the event with feelings of anxie- 



REV. THOMAS SPEXCER. 59 

ty." — " I hope I can say, I feel the import- 
ance of that work for which it appears God 
in his providence has designed me ; but, oh ! 
I need larger degrees of grace to fill that sta- 
tion in such a manner, as that my own soul, 
and the souls of my fellow creatures, may be 
benefited thereby." — " I recall to my mind 
occurrences which transpired when I was at 
Harwich — O, may I have all God's dealings 
sanctified unto me. I want a deeper acquaint- 
ance with my own heart, and a more influen- 
tial knowledge of God my Saviour." 

Little of importance can be expected to 
have transpired, in connexion with the early 
part of Mr. Spencer's residence at Hoxton. 
It appears, however, that here, as at London 
and at Harwich, his interesting appearance and 
amiable manners soon gained him the love and 
esteem of all. The tutors and the students 
alike felt an* interest in this new and youthful 
member of their literary society — and he ap- 
plied himself with diligence to the improve- 
ment of those advantages which he there en- 
joyed. He was now introduced to a wider range 
of observation and of study. But whilst a re- 
spect to the orders of the institution, and a 
desire to render himself, by useful acquire- 
ments, respectable in any circle in which it 
might be his future lot to move, induced him 
to apply with becoming diligence to the va- 
rious occupations assigned him, he yet dwelt 
with peculiar attachment on such as were 



60 MEMOIRS OF THE 

more immediately connected with the work 
of preaching. And w T ith an ardent desire to 
be early and extensively employed in the mi- 
nistry of the gospel, a desire strengthened and 
confirmed by time, it can be no matter of sur- 
prise, that to this darling object were directed 
all the hours of his leisure, and all the ardour 
of his soul. 

At the vacation in June he returned to his 
father's house at Hertford. During his stay 
there, he preached his first sermon in public. 
It was at the small village of Collier's End, six 
miles from Hertford. His auditory consisted 
of about thirty plain country people — and his 
text was 1 John i. 7, " The blood of Jesus 
Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sin." 
Simple and unlettered, however, as his audi- 
ence might be, they had sufficient penetration 
to discover the uncommon talents of their 
youthful preacher ; which, together with the 
novelty and loveliness of his juvenile appear- 
ance, excited in that little village an aston- 
ishment and admiration, which have since 
circulated through all the districts of the great 
metropolis, and almost every town in Great 
Britain. 

Our amiable young preacher's first sermon 
excited a strong desire in his hearers for a re- 
petition of his labours ; and his fame, rapidly 
circulating, produced an invitation also, from 
another quarter for the following Sabbath. 
To these solicitations, we may suppose, with- 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 61 

out much reluctance he complied ; and he 
preached again on the morning- of July 12th, 
at a village called Broughin. His text on this 
occasion was Col. iii. 3, ' Ye are dead, and 
you?' life is hid with Christ in God.' In the 
afternoon and evening of the same day, he 
preached again at Collier's End. In the after- 
noon from Acts xix. 2, ' Have ye received the 
Holy Ghost?' In the evening from Phil. iii. 
1 8, c They are the enemies of the cross of Christ.' 
The attendance at Collier's End was, on this 
second Sabbath, so much increased, that the 
room would scarcely contain the people who 
were desirous of hearing, and every one seemed 
still more deeply affected by the impressive 
manner, the solemn doctrines, and the surpri- 
sing powers of this young divine. On the fol- 
lowing Thursday, he preached again at a place 
called Brickenden, from John iv. 29, ' Come 
see a man which told me all things that ever 
I did ; is not this the Christ V On Sunday, 
July 19th, he again resumed his labours at Col- 
lier's End. In the evening the multitude that 
assembled was so great, that to gratify them 
all, he was under the necessity of preaching 
out of doors, which he did with great anima- 
tion and effect, from Rom. xiv. 12, ' So then 
every one of us shall give account of himself 
to God' It appears from the report of one 
who was present at the delivery of this ser- 
mon, that it was remarkably impressive. Al- 
though surrounded by so great a crowd, he 
F 



62 MEMOIRS OF THE 

seemed quite undaunted, and expressed him- 
self with an ease and an energy which pro- 
duced the most serious impressions upon many, 
and excited the astonishment of all. To see 
the old and gray-headed melted into tears be- 
neath the simple touches and fervent appeals 
of a youth, but little more than sixteen years 
of age, proclaiming with the boldness and pro- 
priety of an experienced veteran the glorious 
gospel of the blessed God, must have been 
truly interesting. And it is also gratifying to 
know, that by the earliest labours of this ex- 
cellent youth, happy and saving effects were 
produced, which remain to this day. On the 
evening of Thursday, July 23d, he preached 
at Buntingford, a town about ten miles from 
Hertford, from John x. 9, " By me, if any 
man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go 
in and out, and find pasture." On Sunday, 
July 26th, he preached again, afternoon and 
evening, at Collier's End. On the Wednes- 
day evening following he preached at Hor- 
mead. And on the Thursday evening again 
at Brickenden. At Hormead his congrega- 
tion amounted to six or seven hundred per- 
sons, and the place where they were assembled 
was a barn. Indeed by this time his fame had 
so widely circulated, that wherever he preached 
numbers nocked from all parts to hear and 
see this wonderful youth ; and he might have 
preached every day in the week, had he been 
so inclined, so numerous were the invitations 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 63 

that crowded upon him. However, his vaca- 
tion drew towards a close ; and his return to 
Hoxton suspended for a while these public 
exercises. 

On his return to Hoxton, we find Mr. Spen- 
cer preaching occasionally in the work-houses 
— an admirable school for young divines. 
Surely this is no inconsiderable circumstance 
in which our dissenting colleges are superior 
as schools of practical divinity, to those of the 
establishment. There the student emerges 
at once from the retirement of private life, to 
all the publicity of the sacred office : which 
sudden transition, to a delicate mind, must of- 
ten be attended with considerable pain, and 
may lead, in the first few instances, to a con- 
fusion and embarrassment most distressing to 
himself, and most unfriendly to his prospects 
of future respectability and usefulness. On 
the other hand, with us the student gradually, 
almost imperceptibly, glides into the ministry, 
and by continued, but slow enlargement of 
the sphere in which he is allowed to move, he 
rises from a few poor people in the work-house, 
to address most respectable auditories. 

On his return to his father's house, for the 
Christmas vacation, Mr. Spencer preached for 
the first time at Hertford. It did not happen 
to him, as is often the case, that he had no 
honour in his own country. Numbers pressed, 
urged no doubt, in the first instance, by curi- 
osity, to hear him ; and those who are accus- 



64 MEMOIRS OF THE 

tomed to mark the influence of similar cir- 
cumstances upon a susceptible mind, will 
enter a little into his emotions when rising 
to address, upon the most solemn of all sub- 
jects, a vast multitude of his fellow-townsmen 
amongst whom he recognised many of his 
juvenile companions- — the several members 
of his own family — and, not the least interest- 
ing object of the group, the venerable matron 
who had early instructed him in the princi- 
ples of his mother tongue, and whose lot it 
was to observe the first faint d awnings of a 
talent, then fast hastening to its fullest exer- 
cise and strength. But long after the influence 
of novelty may be supposed to have subsided, 
he continued to excite the admiration of his 
native town. His first sermon at Hertford 
was preached on the evening of Sunday, 
December 20th, at the Rev. Mr. Maslin's 
chapel, from Eph. v. 11, "And have no fel- 
lowship with the unfruitful works of darkness." 
He preached again on the Wednesday evening 
following, and on the evening of Christmas day, 
on which occasion his text was Mic. v. 2. 
"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou 
be little among the thousands of Judah, yet 
out of thee shall he come forth unto me that 
is to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth 
have been of old, from everlasting." 

The passages of scripture selected by Mr. 
Spencer, as the subjects of his earliest dis- 
courses afford another demonstration, in ad- 



EEV. TH03IA3 SPENCER, 65 

dition to many others, of the general bias of 
his mind. They are such as one may well 
imagine a preacher panting for the salvation 
of his fellow men, would select for the com- 
mencement of his public labours, 

The topics which they suggest are of all 
others the most solemn, as they are the most 
simple and the most important in the whole 
range of inspired truth ; and hence they were 
best adapted to the preacher's age, and the 
unlettered character of his auditors. It seems, 
that in his earliest sermons there was nothing 
of that parade and glare — nothing of that ex- 
cessive fondness of figures and love of imagery, 
which too often mark the first compositions 
of youthful preachers — preachers who, in a 
more advanced state of their ministry, have 
not been less respectable or useful than he. 

We now arrive at a period in Mr. Spencer's 
history, peculiarly critical and important. — 
During the vacation of Christmas, 1807, the 
Rev. Mr. Leifchild, of Kensington, was sup- 
plying the pulpit at Hoxton chapel. One Sab- 
bath afternoon, in January, Mr. Spencer being 
then returned to the academy from Hertford, 
Air. L. expressed a wish that he should assist 
him in the public service, by reading the scrip- 
tures and engaging in prayer. The request 
was granted, and an extract of a letter oblig- 
ingly addressed by that gentleman to me, will 
convey a lively picture of the deep impression 
which his appearance and manner produced 



66 MEMOIRS OF THE 

upon the large congregation before whom he 
stood. 

" But when he appeared in the pulpit 

— after the first emotions of surprise were 
over, and after the mistakes of some, who 
supposed that he was a little boy belonging to 
the gallery, who, from ignorance or thought- 
lessness, had gone up the pulpit stairs, instead 
of those leading to his seat, had been correct- 
ed, so sweetly did he read the chapter, so 
earnestly, so scripturally, experimentally, did 
he engage in prayer, that for the whole six 
sabbaths afterwards he became the chief mag- 
net of attraction to the place. The people 
now insisted upon it he should preach. I need 
not name his subsequent success." 

The entreaties of the people having pre- 
vailed, Mr. Spencer, though contrary to the 
standing order of the institution, was allowed 
to preach. It was a delicate situation. Yet 
it was one to which he had long and anxiously 
aspired. Indeed, so strong was his desire 
for the public engagements of the ministry, 
that the fear of being long denied the gratifi- 
cation of his wishes, on account of his youth, 
actually preyed upon his spirits so severely as 
even to affect his health. But it was not from 
the love of fame or popular applause that he 
cherished this desire, but from the hope of 
being early and extensively useful ; — as if 
urged by a presentiment of his impending fate 
— immediately to commence those honourable 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 67 

labours from which he was to be called so 
soon. — When he appeared in the pulpit at 
Hoxton, a youth just seventeen years of age, 
he betrayed none of that distressing anxiety 
which marks the candidate for public appro- 
bation ; but stood with all the dignified com- 
posure, and spoke with all the unembarrassed 
energy of an ambassador for Christ. His text 
was, Psalm xxxii. 6, " For this shall every 
one that is godly pray unto thee in a time 
when thou may est be found; surely in the 
floods of great waters they shall not come nigh 
unto thee !" — At the close of his discourse, 
the sentiments which dwelt upon the lips and 
countenances of his auditors were those of 
pleasure, admiration, and surprise. His ex- 
cessive youth, — the simplicity of his appear- 
ance — the modest dignity of his manner — the 
sweetness of his voice — the weight and im- 
portance of his doctrine — and the force — the 
affection — and the fervour with which he di- 
rected it to the hearts and consciences of 
those who heard him — charmed and delighted, 
whilst they edified. And retiring from the 
sanctuary to the social circle, they dwelt al- 
ternately on the loveliness of the preacher, 
and the importance of the truths which they 
had heard from his lips. 

Mr. Spencer now became the topic of gen- 
eral discourse, — the subject of universal in- 
quiry. His name spread far and wide. His 
danger became daily more and more immi- 



68 MEMOIRS OF THE 

nent. Letters pressed upon him, filled with 
flattery — invitations arrived at the academy 
from all parts, for his services ; and he ap- 
peared, as a friend who witnessed his sudden 
and extraordinary elevation observed, like 
one standing on the brow of a precipice, 
amid the most violent gusts of wind. 

But the preaching of Mr. Spencer, even in 
his earliest discourses, was not of that light 
and meretricious kind which may secure the 
temporary admiration of the wandering and 
unsettled. It possessed much of the solid — 
the experimental, and judicious ; and this se- 
cured him the attention and esteem of those, 
whose approbation any man would esteem it 
an honour to possess. But this only tended 
to heighten his danger. God, however, gave 
him grace equal to his day. His letters 
during his popularity in London, breathe the 
same spirit of humility as that which marked 
his earlier correspondence, and a piety seldom 
surpassed in fervour and sincerity, tended to 
preserve him steady in the midst of that tem- 
pestuous sea, upon whose billows, though 
young and inexperienced, it was his lot to ride. 

Numerous and pressing however as were 
the invitations from different parts of the 
metropolis and its neighbourhood, yet Mr. 
Spencer did not preach again in London (ex- 
cept in the work-houses, which the students 
regularly supplied, and also once in a small 
chapel in Hackney Road) until September. 



REV. TH03IAS SPENCER. 69 

In the mean while his talent for preaching 
had ample exercise in various parts of the 
country, which during this period he was al- 
lowed to visit. So that, from January 7th to 
September 8th, he preached no less than six- 
ty times. The following are the principal 
places which were then favoured with his la- 
bours: — Roydon, Godmanchester, Ripton,Bwi- 
ting ford, Hertford, Dorking, Rum ford, Har- 
low, Royston, Hadham, Hays, Chigwell, and 
Mill-Hill. At these places the attention he 
excited was considerable, and the impression 
he left remains with the people to this day. 

Mr. Spencer's second sermon at Hoxton 
chapel was delivered on the evening of Thurs- 
day, September 8th. It confirmed the opinion 
of his excellence produced by the first. His 
text was, Acts x. 36, "He is the Lord of all." 

The general sentiments of approbation and 
delight at first excited by his youthful appear- 
ance and his extraordinary pulpit talents, was 
now deepened and established, and he began 
to preach pretty extensively in the pulpits of 
the metropolis and its neighbourhood. On 
Sunday, September 18th, we find him in the 
pulpit at Holywell- Mount chapel, and on the 
Sunday following in that at Kennington cha- 
pel ; and in the afternoon of Sunday December 
13th, he supplied the chapel in Old Gravel 
Lane, Wapping. During the autumn of this 
year he also visited several parts of the country 
immediately surrounding London ; and he 



70 MEMOIRS OF THE 

preached, among other places, at Upminster, 
Upsom, Guilford, Roy don, and High Wy- 
combe. 

Mr. Spencer again preached at Hoxton 
chapel on Christmas day, morning and even- 
ing ; and also delivered an address, on the fol- 
lowing evening, at the prayer meeting. A 
day or two after he left London for Brighton, 
and preached his first sermon in that cele- 
brated seat of gaiety and fashion, on the eve- 
ning of Thursday, December 29th, at the 
Countess of Huntingdon's chapel, from Zech. 
vi. 12. " Behold the man whose name is the 
branch, and he shall build the temple of the 
Lord." — On Sunday, 1st January, 1809, he 
preached in the afternoon at the Rev. Mr. 
Styles's chapel, and again in the evening at 
the Countess's. 

Mr. Spencer preached again at the Coun- 
tess of Huntingdon's chapel at Brighton, on 
Thursday evening, January 5th, and left that 
place on the following day. On the ensuing 
Sunday he preached at Holloway, morning 
and afternoon ; and on the evening of Tuesday 
the 10th, addressed an immense congregation 
from the pulpit of that truly excellent man, 
the Rev. Rowland Hill, at Surry chapel. The 
subject of his discourse was Deut. xxxiii. 3 ; 
" Yea, he loved the people ; all his saints are 
in thy hand : and they sat down at thy feet, 
every one shall receive of thy words !" 

Between this date and the following mid- 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 71 

summer, his labours appear to have been, in 
point both of number and success, truly as- 
tonishing. He now preached much in and 
about London, and wherever his name was 
announced, the crowd that flocked to his mi- 
nistry, proved how extensive and deep the im- 
pression was which it had excited. Besides 
occupying many of the most respectable pul- 
pits in the metropolis, during this period, he 
visited and preached in the following places, 
Guilford, Epsom, Worthing, Barking, Roy- 
don, Dorking, Buntingford, Winchmore-Hill, 
Saffron, Walden, and Hertford, 

During his stay at Worthing, which was in 
the month of February, he made several ex- 
cursions to Brighton, which became more en- 
deared to him by every visit. The attachment 
was mutual. His ministry excited universal 
attention : multitudes pressed to hear him. 
The public prints declared their admiration 
of his powers ; and the private circle forgot 
the trifling topics of the day, intent upon the 
discussion of his rare and extraordinary talents. 
More especially did he bind to him, in affec- 
tionate remembrance, the hearts of the young, 
by the warmth, simplicity, and affection of his 
addresses to them : and in no place which was 
honoured by his labours, was his worth more 
fully appreciated in life, or his loss more deeply 
and universally lamented in death. 

On the evening of Thursday, the 18th of 
May, he preached again at Hoxton chapel, 



72 MEMOIRS OF THE 

His text on that occasion was Isaiah lxi. 10 ^ 
" I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul 
shall be joyful in my God ; for he hath clothed 
me with the garments of salvation ; he hath 
covered me with the robe of righteousness." 

But by so much preaching and fatigue, his 
strength became exhausted, and his health im- 
paired ; and during the midsummer vacation, 
the committee superintending the stations of 
the preaching students, appointed him to spend 
some weeks at Dorking, in Surrey, where the 
labour was but small, the retirement deep, the 
country beautiful, and the air salubrious ! To 
this place he went in the beginning of July — 
having first paid a visit to his family at Hert- 
ford, and preached again in his native town. 

During his stay at Dorking it was his hap- 
piness to form a friendship the most intimate 
and endeared with Mr. J. Haddon, of London ; 
and on the return of that gentleman to town, 
Mr. Spencer began a correspondence with him, 
which continued till his death. The following 
are extracts. 

TO MR. JOHN HADDON. 

Dorking, July 25th, 1809. 
"my worthy friend, — I should know 
very little of the trials and difficulties of life, 
were I always to live as I now do ; I really feel 
sometimes as if I needed something to quicken 
me to diligence, and put the graces of the 
Spirit in exercise, which, I am afraid, were I 



REV. THOMAS SPEXCER. 73 

long to glide down life's stream so easily as I 
now do, would begin to die. Ease is a dan- 
gerous foe to the prosperity of religion in the 
soul, and opposition of some kind is essentially 
necessary for us who profess a religion which 
is described as a race to be run, as a battle to 
be fought, and which is represented to us by 
every metaphor which gives us the idea of 
active labour and unceasing exertion. That 
the good will of Him who dwelleth in the 
bush may ever countenance and console you ; 
that the divine Spirit may ever lead you into 
all the truth ; that you may possess every evi- 
dence that you have found favour in the sight 
of the Lord ; and that Christ Jesus may be 
your eternal portion, is my humble, earnest 
prayer. Let us hope hereafter to behold his 
face together, in a world where w T e shall be 
liable to change and separation no more, but 
where we shall be enclosed in glory, changeless 
as his own. This is the desire of one who can 
truly call himself, yours, most affectionately, 
"Thomas Spexcer." 

Mr. Spencer left Dorking after the last Sab- 
bath in July : and preached the six following 
Sundays in and about London. The places at 
which he laboured during the six weeks were, 
White-Row, Pell-street, Jewin-street, Cam- 
den-chapel, Adelphi-chapel, and Hoxton-eha- 
pel. At Jewin-street he preached four Sab- 
baths out of the six, afternoons and evenings. 
G 



74 MEMOIRS OF THE 

In the meanwhile his health still continued 
but indifferent, and indeed so much exertion 
both of mental and of physical strength was 
but ill calculated to promote its vigour. His 
mind, however, seemed every day to grow in 
activity and zeal. In the pulpit, — in society, 
he was all animation and life. Like most 
who are the victims of much nervous irrita- 
bility, his flow of spirits was excessive, which 
frequently led to ungenerous and merciless 
observations from those, who either had not 
the wisdom or the candour to attribute what 
might appear as levity in him, to its real cause. 
It is indeed an unhappy circumstance, when 
such is the natural tendency of a man's men- 
tal constitution, and from nothing perhaps have 
young ministers suffered more than this. At 
the same time, it is a shame and scandal to the 
Christian world, that there should be so many, 
who, professing to be the friends of students 
and youthful preachers, encourage and excite 
this unhappy bias, for their own amusement, 
and are then the first to censure the youth they 
have betrayed. 

But where such is the natural disposition 
of a pious and devoted mind, its exercise in 
company is often followed by the keenest an- 
guish and the deepest melancholy, in hours 
of solitude and reflection. The severe and 
malignant censurer should remember, that he 
is not omnipresent ; and that there may be 
scenes in the retired life of the character he 



REV. TH0?tIA8 SPENCER. iO 

injures, which would put him to the blush ! 
These remarks have been suggested by some 
passages in the following letter. 

TO MR. JOHN HADDON. 

Hoxton, August 15, 1809. 
" my dear friend, — I am sorry to inform 
you, that it is not in my power to gratify your- 
self, to please our friends, or to fulfil my own 
wishes, by devoting any evening in the week 
to visiting. I really cannot do it. My en- 
gagements this week are such as peremptorily 
to require my continuance at home, most 
likely till Sabbath day, at any rate till Satur- 
day afternoon. I am obliged to those kind 
friends who expressed their concern about 
my exertions. 1 feel that I am not worthy 
of their sympathy. May their compassion 
lead them to pray for me, that I may be 
strengthened with all might by the Spirit in 
my inner man ; and that He whose pleasure 
it is to increase strength to those that have 
no might, would help the infirmities of one 
who is weaker than a bruised reed, and yet 
has undertaken an office, to the discharge of 
which an angel is incompetent. My health 
is certainly in a better condition than it has 
been, but I am afraid I am still far from well ; 
my head frequently aches, and I feel a sick- 
ness in my stomach. These are some of the 
miseries that flesh is heir to ; but it is a joyful 
thought, that in the kingdom of glory our 



76 MEMOIRS OF THE 

bodies will be no longer susceptible of pain, 
nor our minds of disquietude. Perfect health, 
composure, and joy, will be our happy lot 
when we see each other in a better world. 
And can we not hope that we shall do this; 
and that for ever we shall adore our common 
Saviour together ? The leadings of his provi- 
dence first brought us acquainted with each 
other ; and the methods of his grace will, I 
hope, lead us on to glory ; and in our way 
thither make us helps to each other. Pray 
for me, that my diligence may be excited ; 
my levities checked ; and my spirituality pro- 
moted. After all I say against the world, I 
must confess with shame in that I am very 
like many men of the world in this respect ; 
that I indulge in a lightness of disposition 
which is inconsistent with the character of a 
Christian, and makes us resemble those who 
never think of eternity and the solemnities of 
religion. Ah ! my dear friend and brother, I 
have experienced in my short life many a 
bitter hour, occasioned by my own folly in this 
respect. But what a scandal is it to a profess- 
ing Christian, that natural dispositions and 
surrounding temptations should overcome a 
principle of grace in the heart — a principle 
which ought ever to operate powerfully in 
weaning us from folly, and making us every 
day more and more serious and holy. Never 
do you be afraid of cautioning, or reproving 
me, but give me opportunity to prove that 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 77 

Faithful are the words of a friend !' I have 
felt more, in reference to yourself, than I have 
ever yet expressed. More affection for you ; 
more gratitude that Providence placed you in 
my way : and more determination to make you 
my counsellor and friend — than I have ever 
yet told you. The Lord help us to strengthen 
each other's hands in his good ways." 

The history of the following month is from 
the pen of his most intimate friend. 

" At his return (from Dorking) he supplied 
Je win-street meeting for a month, in the after- 
noons and evenings, where the attention he 
excited will not be easily forgotten. Before 
he left, numbers could not get admittance. 
The church were very anxious that he should 
settle among them, but their desire could not 
be complied with ! I have heard him blamed 
respecting that, business; but it was only bv 
those who did not know the circumstances of 
the case. I was in possession of his heart in 
that affair ; and it would be unjust to his 
memory not to declare, that he was free from 
blame. His affectionate spirit keenly felt for 
them in their disappointment. ' The good 
people at Jewin-street,' said he, in a letter to 
me, 'have a strong claim upon our prayers ;' 
and it was to soothe their minds that he com- 
posed his sermon upon Isaiah xxxiii. 20. The 
time of his supplying at Jewin-street was very 
pleasant to me. 1 claimed the whole of his 
g2 



78 MEMOIRS OF THE 

time between and after the services, which 
inclined him to enjoy that retirement which 
was so congenial to his lowly soul. When 
going to preach no one saw him. — I U3ed to 
knock at his door — give in his refreshment — 
and watch the time for him.— It was from the 
mount of communion that he always went 
to the pulpit, and this caused his sermons to 
shine gloriously. Frequently in passing to 
the house of God we kept perfect silence, 
while his mind has been so entirely absorbed, 
that I have found a necessity for guiding him ; 
and after worship he loved to stop as long as 
he conveniently could, that he might pass 
away unnoticed. But such was the character 
of Spencer — his deep humility — fervent piety 
— and amiable simplicity, that I am fully con- 
vinced it cannot be fairly stated without sus- 
picion of exaggeration ; and I confess that I 
should have found some difficulty in giving 
fallen nature credit for the excellences, which, 
from the closest inspection, I saw resident in 
that truly illustrious and holy youth." 

Having completed his engagements at Jew- 
in-street, Spencer's labours became again mis- 
cellaneous and widely diffused. On Sabbath 
day 17th, he preached at Roydon, a village 
near Hertford, when he availed himself of the 
opportunity which this appointment afforded 
him of visiting his family. I cannot but con- 
ceive the bliss which such occasional inter- 
views would cause in that little circle, which 



EEV. THOMAS SPEXCER. 79 

had once the happiness to call him theirs. To 
them the recollection of those happy hours de- 
voted to social or sacred intercourse with their 
departed friend, must yield a soothing, though 
a melancholy pleasure. Nor is the reflection 
less honourable to his memory, than it is con- 
solatory to their minds. In the midst of the 
unbounded popularity which he enjoyed — sur- 
rounded by new and splendid connexions — 
the admiration of listening crowds, each eager 
to express his approbation — all ambitious of 
his friendship — he ever thought with the warm- 
est affection upon those whom he had left in 
that obscurity from which he had himself 
emerged. — Gladly did he seize the opportu- 
nity, when it occurred, of retiring from the 
public eye to taste again the tranquil pleasures 
of his home, and enjoy the interchange of all 
those sacred and delightful feelings, which 
strengthen and endear the ties and obligations 
of social or domestic life. — He was not unduly 
elated by his popularity. In his new associa- 
tions he did not forget his kindred and his fa- 
ther's house. — His family did not sink in his 
regard, in proportion as he rose to eminence. 
The voice of universal praise did not drown 
the milder whispers of paternal love. 

Before his departure for Roy don, the fol- 
lowing letter was addressed by Mr. Spencer 
to his friend. 




80 MEMOIRS OF THE 

TO MR. JOHN HADDON. 

Thursday Evening, Sept. 14, 1809. 
"my dear friend, — I know you wish me 
to write you a great deal ; but I must plead 
the old excuse — want of time ; for I find that 

, instead of calling to-morrow morning, 

must have this directly, and I have but this 
minute left the chapel. You tell me your 
1 mind recoils from public duty, however plain 
and clear,' and you need not to be told that this 
is a pity ; and in this respect you do not dis- 
play that Christian boldness which is, after all, 
consistent with genuine humility — which the 
apostle displayed and enforced — which the 
Bible every where recommends — and which is 
well calculated to evidence our decided attach- 
ment to Jesus and his cause. It shall be my 
part, however, not to reproach you for the want 
of it, but to carry your wants before our Father's 
throne, and entreat him to fill you with all 
holy boldness and Christian courage ; whilst 
at the same time I would most earnestly en- 
treat you to consider the foolishness of your 
fears ; the little need we have to seek to please 
our fellow-creatures, or to dread them ; and 
above all, the constant inspection of Him who 
said, " whosoever shall confess me before men, 
him shall the Son of Man also confess before 
his holy angels." But I am persuaded that 
you are not ashamed of Jesus ; yet there is 
great need for us all to ask ourselves repeat- 



EEV. THOMAS SPENCER. bl 

edly, " am I fully on the Lord's side V 9 because 
this very examination itself produces the best 
effects, as it prompts us to give evidence be- 
fore others of the reality of our hope, and it 
brings us near to God, who can make us strong 
in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and faith- 
ful even unto death. Your letters always affect 
me ; your company you know delights me ; 
and what shall I say of your attachment to me, 
but that it meets return. I am often indeed 
induced to believe that you are too careful of 
me, and too much concerned about me. Ex- 
pressions of gratitude on my part from my 
mouth or pen I know you do not want, there- 
fore I shall not trouble you with them. My 
mind is perfectly at ease about the present or 
future laws of the house, as well as about any 
situation after I have filled it. O that I may 
be stayed on God ! I often think what a 
pity it will be, if from our friendship there 
should arise no good effect; however here I 
am wrong, because I am myself a witness that 
good effects have arisen to me; but I long 
that to us there may be opened fresh sources of 
comfort and joy in God, and that we may then 
be made abundant blessings to each other. I 
am going to preach next Sabbath at Roydon, 
a village near Hertford, where I have reason 
to hope God has owned and blessed my un- 
worthy labours before. May he do so again. 
Perhaps I may go to Hertford to-morrow after- 



82 MEM OIKS OF THE 

noon, as it was the place of rny nativity, and 
is now the residence of my dear father, my 
sisters, brother, and mother-in-law. I could 
say much more, (though in the same feeble 
and desultory style) but you perceive my pa- 
per is full. I cannot expect to see you at all 
till Tuesday. The coach comes in town on 
Monday evening, about half past six. If I can 
I will walk then to Fleet-street.— Adieu, my 
dear friend. Thomas Spencer," 

TO MR. JOHN HADDON. 

" One of our fellow students has just de= 
livered us a good sermon from—" The righ= 
teous hath hope in his death." — I enjoyed his 
sermon much more than I generally do those 
which are delivered to us on Thursday even- 
ing. This was so experimental — so scriptural 
— so pious, that it found its way to my heart. 
May you and I, whenever we shall come to 
die, have a lively, a sure, and a certain hope 
of reigning in life by Jesus Christ. Whilst 
so many are called away around us, surely we 
should recollect the uncertainty of our own 
continuance upon earth; and as death is still 
potent, still inexorable, and still delights to 
surprise, let it be our chief concern to have 
an interest in the affections of the heart of 
that Saviour who shall destroy this last enemy, 
and give to his followers a crown of glory 
changeless as his own. — On him may we now 



EEV. THOMAS SPENCER. 83 

both live by faith, that so when we have served 
our generation according to his will, we may 
fall asleep in his arms." 

Talking with him on the subject of his health, 
which seemed declining beneath the pressure 
of so much exertion, his friend said — " Do 
you wish to be early laid aside — or do you 
desire a premature grave ?" " Oh no," said 
he, " you know my wish — to have a meeting 
in the country, surrounded by trees — occa- 
sionally to see the shadows of the leaves qui- 
vering on the walls, in the reflection of the 
setting sun. A burial ground near, in which 
1 and my people can together lie ! To live a 
long, honourable, and useful life, bringing 
many souls to the Saviour ! — This is the sum- 
mit of my wishes." — Though it was denied 
him to enjoy the first, the last object of his 
desire, and by far the most important and 
dearest to his heart, he did possess ; for rarely 
has so short a ministry been blessed by the 
conversion of so many souls. Every week in 
Liverpool, discloses some fresh instances of 
its success — and one and another is perpetual- 
ly rising up to say — " By the grace of God I 
am what I am ;" but it was the ministry of 
Spencer that led me first a humble suppliant 
to the throne of mercy. 

On Sunday the 5th of November he was ap- 
pointed to preach at Cambridge, in the pulpit 
lately occupied by the Rev. Robert Hall 3 A. 



84 MEMOIRS OF THE 

M., a name dear to genius, as to religion. The 
day following he spent in viewing the Uni- 
versity. In a letter dated the 3d, he says, 
" Last night my surprise w 7 as excited by seeing 
that I am not appointed on the list for any 
place in town, but for Cambridge. 1 am to 
stay Monday over at Cambridge, to look at 
the colleges, &c. I shall think much of 
Kirke White." And aware of the respect- 
ability, both in wealth and talent, of the con- 
gregation he was called to address, he adds, 
" The Lord make me prudent and faithful : 
may it appear that he has some good end to 
answer by conducting me thither." 

Public as Spencer's life had now become, 
and exposed as he was to the influence of 
every unholy passion which popularity might 
awaken, he yet maintained a close and hum- 
ble walk with God. He courted solitude, and 
for the best of purposes. Of him it may be 
truly said, " his fellowship was with the Fa- 
ther, and with his Son Jesus Christ." The 
holy and the heavenly tone his mind received 
in those retired hours, gave a peculiar unction 
to his ministry ; and the knowledge which, by 
deep communion with his own heart and con- 
stant intercourse with God, he had obtained, 
rendered his preaching remarkably profitable 
to believers, and gave him a skill in admi- 
nistering instructions adapted to all the varie- 
ties of their experience. Of this, the follow- 
ing is a pleasing specimen. 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 85 

TO MR. JOHN HADDON. 

November 9, 1809. 

" my dear friend, — Be assured that I, as 
well as yourself, have walked in darkness, and 
complained that there was no light. Fluc- 
tuations in experience are, I am sure, my lot, 
whilst my only consolation in such circum- 
stances still remain — 'tis the unchangeable- 
ness of Christ. Oh ! what is so calculated to 
reconcile our minds to the way our Father 
calls us to travel, as the recollection, that 
whilst we are found in it, Jesus is the same, 
and that to the end of the journey ; and in 
every trying circumstance he is a present help. 
In darkness he will enable us to trust in the 
Lord, and stay ourselves upon our God ; yea, 
he will cheer our desponding souls with visi- 
tation sweet. Seasons in which we experience 
darkness of mind, and depression of soul, are 
necessary : they form the analogy between us 
and those who through tribulation are gone to 
heaven : they render us fit subjects for the il- 
luminating and refreshing grace of Christ: 
they add a higher relish to the renewed en- 
joyment of the light and liberty of the gospel ; 
and they serve to prepare us for that world 
where the Lord shall be our everlasting life, 
and our God our glory. 

"Reflecting upon deliverance from such 
times of depression should teach us to say — 
1 Return unto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord 
H 



86 MEMOIRS OF THE 

hath dealt bountifully with thee P It should 
lead us to anticipate future favours, and re- 
joice that he that hath delivered us, can and will 
deliver ; and since the day has dawned, and 
the shadows have fled away, we should most 
cordially adore him who has been appointed 
to give light to them who sit in darkness, and 
to guide our feet in the way of peace. May 
you and I ever enjoy the presence of Jesus, 
our best friend ; share in his tender sympa- 
thy ; his kind reproofs; his excellent coun- 
sels. May he be our God for ever and ever, 
and our guide even unto death. Then we 
need fear no evil. If sensible that he is with 
us, we may pass through midnight glooms, and 
experience a season of great darkness, and yet 
look forward to a future time, when with plea- 
sure we shall sing,—' The Lord is my light, 
of whom shall I he afraid? O ! that I may be 
enabled to commit your soul and my own into 
the hands of Jesus as unto a faithful Creator. 
I can now add no more, than to say that, 
" I remain affectionately yours, 

" Thomas Spencer." 

About this time his health again declined. 
A severe cold for some days deprived him of 
his voice — and he was compelled to rest one 
Sabbath day from his public work. What were 
his feelings in prospect of that Sabbath, this 
extract will declare. 

" Yesterday I passed a miserable day. The 



REV. THOMAS SPENCEK. 37 

thought of the pain of mind the letter I sent 
home would occasion to my friends, hurt me 
much, and I was much worse than I had been 
before, as my lungs and throat felt more 
inflamed. To-day I think I am better, but 
still very far from well. I can scarcely bear 
the prospect of a silent Sabbath. I think I 
shall be quite out of my element to-morrow. 
Oh ! that I did but more firmly believe, that 
he who is my Saviour does all things well, and 
that he who sustains the dread character of 
Judge of all the earth must do right." 

Reflecting on this temporary indisposition 
in a letter to his father, he says,-"! have rea- 
son to hope that the measure of affliction with 
which our heavenly Father thought fit to visit 
me, has been made a blessing to my soul. It 
gave me time for reflection and close self-ex- 
amination. It gave a new zest to my feelings, 
and when it was removed, I hope I was inspired 
with fresh ardour to live for the glory of God." 

Amid the constant bustle of a public life, 
the retirement which temporary indisposition 
affords, must be most beneficial to a pious 
mind. Then it can relax into a calm and in- 
timate communion with itself. It can quietly 
indulge in such a review of the past — and 
such an anticipation of the future, as will tend 
not a little, under the sanctifying influences 
of the Holy Spirit, to curb its impetuosity — 
correct its levity — and regulate its principles, 



88 MEMOIRS OF THE 

From the chamber of sickness, the exercises 
of the pulpit will be furnished with materials 
of the highest order ; which experience of 
similar affliction only can excite. 

The greater part of the Christmas vacation 
Mr. Spencer spent at Brighton, and on the first 
day of the year 1810, he preached at the Rev. 
Mr. Styles's chapel, to young people, from 
2 Chron. xxxiv. 27, 28 — " Because thine heart 
was tender, and thou didst humble thyself be- 
fore God, when thou heardst his words against 
this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, 
and humbledst thyself before me, and didst 
rend thy clothes and weep before me : I have 
even heard thee also, saith the Lord. Behold 
I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt 
be gathered to thy grave in peace. Neither 
shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring 
upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the 
same." 

The good seed which he was the instru- 
ment of scattering in Brighton, very rapidly 
sprang up. In a letter to his father, written 
immediately on his return from thence, and 
dated Jan. 12th, 1810, he says, "A young 
person who had heard me at Mr. Styles's last 
year, was called by divine grace under my in- 
strumentality, and died before I returned there 
this year, bearing an honourable testimony to 
the religion of Jesus, and to her interest in it. 
Oh ! what hath God wrought !" 

We now arrive at the period of Mr. Spen* 



REV. THOMAS SBBNCER. 89 

cer's first visit to Liverpool. Before we pass 
on with him to that new and interesting scene, 
it may be well to pause, and to take such a 
general view of his mode of thinking and act- 
ing, w r hile a student, as the following charac- 
teristic sketches from the hand of his most 
intimate friend, will furnish. I shall present 
them in a miscellaneous way just as they oc- 
cur. Thus the reader will converse with him, 
— hear his own sentiments expressed in his 
own language, and imperceptibly become fa- 
miliar with the man. 

" That passage," said he, " is much upon 
my mind — ' Let no man despise thy youth.' I 
understand the apostle thus : — Let your w- alk 
and conduct be such, that no man can despise 
thy youth. And such shall be my own." 

" He was favoured with peculiar facility in 
composition. ' Many a sermon,' said he, ' have 
I composed between Hoxton and your house.' 
His ideas flow r ed faster than he could write 
them, and when alone, our conversation has 
met with frequent interruption from his stop- 
ping to commit to paper, before they escaped 
him, the ideas crossing his mind. Turning to 
me privately, as I sat by his side one evening 
at the tea-table of a friend, ' Look at that,' 
said he, c will it do V It was the sketch of a 
sermon, which he had composed during the 
conversation. ' I don't know,' said he, (and 
those who suppose my friend w^as boasting, 
did not know him) ' I don't know r , said he, 
h2 



90 MEMOIRS OF THE 

c that for a long time I have had time enough 
for any one sermon ; I was crampt in every 
head for want of time.' He occupied at that 
time from 65 to 75 minutes in preaching his 
sermons, though his hearers were not aware 
of it." 

" His memory was remarkably tenacious ; 
he could regularly repeat every service 4n 
which he had ever engaged, with the chapter 
which he had read, and those of his acquaint- 
ance who were present. Returning from Hol- 
loway, after preaching, said he, ' Did you 
perceive any thing particular in me this morn- 
ing V No. ' I was very ill in the pulpit ; my 
memory totally forsook me ; I could not recol- 
lect my subject, but having my notes in my 
pocket, I took them out and read them.' I am 
glad of it, was my reply ; I give you joy ; you 
can no longer condemn assistance to an im- 
perfect memory. * O no, I boast no more ; from 
henceforth, I am silent upon that subject.' 

" Few persons have held pulpit eloquence 
in higher estimation than Spencer did, or in 
more contempt when it stood in competition 
with the interest of souls. I remember ask- 
ing his opinion of an eloquent sermon which 
he had been hearing — - ; Why,' said he, ' I 
could have wept over it — I could have wept to 
hear immortals so treated.' " 

" To one who observed to him — c Your 
morning sermon yesterday was approved, but 
not that in the afternoon,' he replied, < No, I 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 91 

suppose not, and I will give you the reason. 
In the morning, when I preached on privi- 
leges, they were pleased ; but when, in the 
afternoon, I came to duties, they remembered 
their treatment of their late venerable pastor. 
I particularly respect aged ministers, and love 
to assist them, and generally add a trifle to 
the collection, when I have been preaching in 
behalf of a church which has an aged minis- 
ter.' " 

" A lady, w T ho had misunderstood an idea in 
his sermon, wrote me a hasty letter, charging 
him with Antinomianism, and me with gross 
impropriety in hearing him. It was Saturday 
night, and he was to preach in the same pul- 
pit the next day. I went to inform him of the 
circumstance, that he might take an unper- 
ceived opportunity of explaining himself. He 
held out his hand to give his usual affectionate 
squeeze, when I drew back. I said, ' I don't 
know how to shake hands with an Antino- 
mian ' ' An Antinomian ! What is the mat- 
ter?' 'Read this proof of it.' He read it; his 
pleasantry subsided ; and with a countenance 
which spoke the feeling of his noble soul. 
1 0,' said he, c this letter does me good. — The 
attention of that congregation would have led 
me to suppose that they were pleased, and 
perhaps profited by what they heard ; and yet 
you see, that there were those present who not 
only misunderstood me, but supposed that I 
was a preacher of Antinomianism. This let- 



92 MOIOIKS OF THE 

ter does me good ; for sometimes Satan claps 
me on the back, here in my study, and says— 
That sermon will do very well, and especially 
from one so young as you — and then I begin 
to mount, and fancy that I am somebody ; but 
such a letter as this clips my wings — and then,' 
said he, (with undescribable expression) ' I 
drop into my place — the dust. Do bring me 
ail the intelligence of this kind that you can.' " 
" Preaching one morning at Hoxton, after he 
had prayed as usual at his entrance into the 
pulpit, I missed him ; he bent forward for a 
considerable time so low, that I could scarcely 
perceive him from the gallery. When I after- 
wards asked him if any thing ailed him, said 
he, ' When I went into the pulpit, and saw 
that crowded audience, recollecting that they 
were all looking to me for instruction, and re- 
membering my own youth and inexperience, 
I was overwhelmed, and leaning forward, im- 
plored more earnestly the divine assistance.' " 
" While preaching at Jewin-street, he one 
afternoon took the two lower steps at once, in 
ascending the pulpit stairs. — When we after- 
wards met, I asked, * Did you notice the man- 
ner of your going into the pulpit V ' I did, and 
thought that you would also — it was inad- 
vertent ; but it was wrong. It did not become 
the solemnity of the place. — I never remem- 
ber such a circumstance before, and will be 
more guarded in future.' As a proof of the 
fiecessity of his watchfulness over the minutiae 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 93 

of his actions, I mention that an aged Chris- 
tian said to me some time afterwards, ' I loved 
Spencer's sermons, but there was a lightness 
about him.' — ' A lightness ! when, and where 
did he discover it V ' At our meeting, in jump- 
ing up the pulpit stairs. 5 ' Did you see it more 
than once V ' No.' ' Then I can tell you, that 
once he felt and lamented it as deeply as you 
could ; and I am sure that he never repeated 
it. Is not that satisfactory V ' It is.' " 

" Spencer followed Cecil ; he united deep 
humility with true ministerial dignity : nor do 
I conceive it possible for a youth to be less 
affected by popularity than he was ; and as to 
flattery, if his flatterers had known the light 
in which he viewed them, they would have 
been silent. Coming from a vestry, where 
adulation had been offered — 'Don't fear for 
me,' said he, ' on account of what has passed ; 
it was too weak to hurt : my danger is when 
those, on whose judgment I depend, speak 
unguardedly.' " 

" Spencer was particularly happy in his 
choice of texts for particular occasions. ' I 
feel great difficulty,' said he, ' in preaching at 
Hertford, where I have to address many who 
walked with God before I was born. To-mor- 
row will be the first Sabbath that I have regu- 
larly supplied there. I have chosen for my 
subject, Romans xvi. 7.' In which he showed 
what it was to be in Christ ; and the duties 
which aged Christians owe to younger ones — 



94 MEMOIRS OF THE 

faithful reproof and exhortation— prayer for 
them, &c. For his sermon on regeneration, 
he chose James i. 18 ; which, as he said, com- 
prised the whole subject ; — the efficient cause 
— c The will of God ;' the grand means used — 
4 the word of truth ;' the great end in view — 
that believers should be 'first fruits of his 
creatures.' A gentleman who possesses a fine 
mind, said to me, ' I had heard so much of 
Spencer, that when I went to hear him, I ex- 
pected to be disappointed; but I found the 
reverse to be the case. When he gave out 
his text, it was with an emphasis which so 
forcibly laid open the apostle's argument, that 
my attention was rivetted, and I was perfectly 
astonished.' " 

" Mr. Spencer's simplicity in dress was well 
known. He avoided in that respect the very 
appearance of evil, that his ministry might not 
be blamed. One Sabbath morning, when he 
called for me, he had a new coat on, which I 
told him I thought was more fashionable than 
he would approve. 4 1 did not know it,' said 
he : and on the next Sabbath morning, he asked 
me if I thought it more becoming then : he had 
had it altered." 

Mr. Spencer was appointed by the commit- 
tee to spend the midsummer vacation in this 
year at Newington chapel, Liverpool, then 
destitute of a pastor by the death of the Rev. 
David Bruce. His impressions with regard to 



REV. THOMAS SPEXCEK. 95 

the state of religion and manners in this place, 
made him very averse to going there, and it 
was his anxious desire that some other student 
should be sent to supply the vacancy. 

But a visit upon which so much depended 
could not be abandoned by a superintending 
Providence, to the obstacles of his prejudices 
or the influence of his feelings. His destina- 
tion was fixed. It was the voice of duty, and 
he obeyed. He arrived in Liverpool on Satur- 
day, the 30th of June, 1810, and commenced 
his public labours on the following Sabbath. 

Mr. Spencer selected for the subject of his 
first discourse, Luke xxiv. 32, " And they said 
one to another, Did not our hearts burn within 
us, while he talked with us by the way, and 
while he opened to us the Scriptures." In the 
afternoon he preached from Heb. xii. 24, 
" And to the blood of sprinkling, which speak- 
eth better things than that of Abel. ; ' And in 
the evening from 1 Cor. xv. 25, " For he must 
rei^n till he hath put all enemies under his 
feet." 

The impression produced by the labours of 
this Sabbath, will be long remembered. The 
emotion then awakened has not subsided to 
this day. Every sermon that he preached, 
tended to deepen the conviction of his piety 
and talents — and to endear him to the people. 
His lively, affectionate manner, and the simple 
but elegant style of his discourses, captivated 
all who heard him. Every sermon produced 



96 MEMOIRS OF THE 

accessions to the congregation, of such as, 
drawn by the report of his extraordinary pow- 
ers, pressed to witness their display. The 
chapel soon became crowded to excess — and 
not alone the thoughtless and the gay, whom 
the charms of a persuasive eloquence and an 
engaging manner might attract, but pious and 
experienced Christians sat under his preach- 
ing with deep attention and delight. There 
seemed to be indeed a shaking amongst the 
dry bones. A divine unction evidently at- 
tended his ministry, and such were the effects 
produced, that every beholder, with astonish- 
ment and admiration, cried, ' What hath God 
wrought !' 

In his own views of Liverpool, too, a great 
change was wrought, by the remarkable cir- 
cumstances attendant on his ministry. The 
kind assiduities of the family under whose 
hospitable roof he resided, and an intercourse 
with the pious part of the congregation, which 
they carefully promoted, — tended gradually 
to weaken his prejudices, and at length com- 
pletely to turn the bias, and reverse the pur- 
pose of his mind. The period of his stay was 
limited to five Sabbaths ; but at the earnest 
solicitation of the people, he consented, after 
communicating with his friends in London, to 
add another to the number. And in the after- 
noon of the last Sabbath, he preached from 
Deut. xxxiii. 3. " Yea, he loved the people," 
in such a style of endearment and affection, as 



REV. TH03IAS SPENCER. 97 

seemed to warrant the indulgence of their 
warmest hopes. The last week of his visit was 
spent in the most delightful intercourse with 
Christian friends ; and on Tuesday, the 7th of 
August, he left Liverpool with reluctance and 
tears. 

Very soon after his return to Hoxton, Mr. 
Spencer received from the church and con- 
gregation at Newington chapel, an unanimous 
and pressing invitation to accept the pastoral 
office over them. The call was dated on the 
8th of August, 1810. After near seven weeks' 
deliberation, Mr. Spencer returned an answer 
in the affirmative. In what exercises of mind 
these seven weeks were spent, those who 
knew the peculiar circumstances of his situa- 
tion can well conceive. 

To a friend in Liverpool he writes — 
" I hope you will forgive me for the long, 
the doubtful suspense, in which I have been 
obliged to detain you ; in my own view I have 
acted rightly, and I have no doubt but you will 
say that it was all proper, when you come to 
hear my statement. It is astonishing what I 
have had to meet with through the kindness 
of my London friends — kindness you will 
think improperly manifested, when I tell you, 
that they, with very few exceptions, entreat, 
beg, and request, that I would not settle at Li- 
verpool. I can only tell them, that in this affair, 

1 1 hear a voice they cannot hear; 
I see a hand they cannot see.' 
I 



98 MEMOIRS OF THE 

And have the leadings of Providence lost their 
importance ? or the direction of heaven become 
merely matter of idle talk ? I have not written 
individually to any person in Liverpool be- 
sides yourself: I should have found a difficulty 
in speaking of the business before I had made 
known my determination. By the first Sab- 
bath in February next year, I shall (God wil- 
ling) be again in Liverpool, when I hope the 
presence of my covenant God will accompany 
me, and his Spirit grant me wide success. The 
prospect of leaving my friends and connexions 
for so distant a place as Liverpool, and espe- 
cially as many of them oppose the plan, some- 
times fill me with melancholy gloom ; but ' thy 
will be done 5 is a petition that well becomes 
me in my situation ; may I have grace given me 
to use it with a sincere and believing heart. 

"JP vt* v^ vf* 3v 

" I trust it will appear, that the general 
good of the church of Christ, and of the in- 
habitants of Liverpool, is the object to which 
I have directed my warm and unremitting 
exertions. Farewell.— I remain sincerely 
yours, Thomas Spencer." 

Thus happily was a point of so much im- 
portance to the interests of religion in Liver- 
pool determined. A consideration of the issue 
of this affair, together with many others per- 
petually occurring, should teach us to suspend 
our judgments of persons and places we have 



REV. TH03IAS SPENCER, 99 

never seen— and should tend to weaken those 
unjust and injurious prejudices against them 
which we too hastily form — too tenaciously 
cherish. Often we picture to ourselves the 
most enchanting scenes, the most delightful 
associations, in connexion with a spot we are 
about to visit, and are disappointed — and as 
often we find those charming scenes, and 
happy associations, in regions which our pre- 
judices had invested with every thing gloomy 
and repulsive. Had Spencer yielded to the 
impulse of his feelings, he had never become 
pastor of a church in Liverpool. 

From the period of his acceptance of the 
call to Liverpool, till February, 1811, when he 
actually entered on the pastoral office there, 
his time was wholly occupied in the diligent 
pursuit of his studies, and the labours of the 
pulpit. Not a Sabbath passed, but witnessed 
twice or thrice his faithful publication of the 
gospel of peace. 

In what way his mind was exercised during 
this period — and how his principles as a Chris- 
tian triumphed over his feelings as a man in 
the prospect of a long and painful separation 
from those he loved — may be seen by the fol- 
lowing letter to a friend in Liverpool :— 

Hoxton, Dec. 5, 1810. 

" my dear sir, — I am persuaded that you 
will excuse my neglecting to write to you so 
long, when you recollect that the hope I daily 



100 3IE310IKS OF THE 

entertained of seeing you in town appeared 
to represent my troubling you with an epistle 
as unnecessary. I am extremely pleased to 
hear of the increase and welfare of your fa- 
mily ; I cannot but feel an interest in their 
prosperity and happiness : may the Lord pour 
his Spirit upon your seed, and his blessing 
upon your offspring, that they may spring up 
as among the grass, as willows by the water 
courses ! I suppose I need not inform you, 
that I anticipate my journey to Liverpool with 
mingled emotions of mind. The idea of a long 
and painful separation from my connexions 
does certainly at times overwhelm me with 
melancholy gloom ; I have not yet learned to 
conquer my feelings, nor am I particularly 
eminent for philosophic heroism. The idea 
that I am going where divine Providence has 
directed me, does occasionally impart to me 
strong consolation ; may my wishes as to ex- 
tensive usefulness among you be answered; 
may they be exceeded in the prosperity of the 
church and congregation, and in the increase 
of spirituality and holy enjovment in my own 
soul!" 

On Wednesday evening, 23d January, he, 
preached at Stansted, and on Thursday even- 
ing again at Hertford. This was, I believe, 
his last visit to his native town, and to his fa- 
ther's house ! The separation which then again 
took place between himself and his beloved 
family was final. The farewell which he bade 



REV. THOMAS 8PENCE2. 101 

to the scenes of his infancy and childhood was 
eternal ! I cannot suppress the melancholy 
feeling which this reflection has awakened in 
my mind. I have arrived at length upon the 
threshold of a mournful detail, which all along 
has been anticipated with emotions of distress. 
Alas ! that one so useful should be so soon re- 
moved ! And that ere we enter upon the re- 
lation of the solemn engagements of his pas- 
toral life, we should be compelled to notice 
circumstances so closely connected with his 
death ! 

The following Sabbath, January 2?th, was 
the last he spent in London. On that day he 
preached in the morning at Hoxton chapel, 
from Phil. iii. 8 — " Yea, doubtless, and I count 
all things but loss, for the excellency of the 
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." And 
in the evening at Tonbridge chapel, from 
2 Cor. iv. 3 — " But if our gospel be hid, it is 
hid to them that are lost." The labours of 
this Sabbath completed his engagements at 
Hoxton and Tonbridge chapels ; but on the 
evening of the following day (Monday) he 
took an affectionate leave of his beloved 
friends — the constituents, the tutors, the stu- 
dents, and the congregation at Hoxton, from 
the pulpit of that chapel. The crow r d that 
pressed to hear his last sermon (for so it 
proved) in London, was immense. One com- 
mon sentiment of attachment and grief seem- 
ed to pervade the assemblv. A friend charged 
i 2 



103 MEMO IKS OF THE 

him on that occasion not to play upon the pas- 
sions. Not that he was in the habit of doing 
this ; but there appeared on this occasion a 
probability that he might. To that sugges- 
tion he replied — that " neither his feelings 
nor his conscience would admit of such tri- 
fling." He addressed the people on this in- 
teresting occasion, from those memorable 
words of Paul — Acts xx. 24, " But none of 
these things move me, neither count I my life 
dear unto me, so that I may finish my course 
with joy, and the ministry which I have re- 
ceived of the Lord Jesus." 

Thus were Spencer's labours in the metro- 
polis closed for ever: labours — the renewal 
of which, thousands anticipated with delight. 
But he was ripening fast for glory ; and ra- 
pidly advancing to the termination of his 
course. Yea, the impression of his excellence 
and the feeling of regret at his departure, was 
yet strong and lively in the hearts of many, 
when the tidings of his death shed a deeper 
sorrow through the scenes and circles which 
he had edified by his public instructions, or 
enlivened by his private friendship ! 

It was on the 28th of January, that Mr. 
Spencer preached his farewell sermon at 
Hoxton chapel: and it was on the 15th of 
August, in the same year, in the same pulpit, 
and to nearly the same congregation, that 
his funeral sermon was delivered by the Rev. 
Henry Forster Burder, one of the tutors of 



REV. 1H0MA5 SPENCEK. 103 

the academy. In that discourse a just and 
elegant tribute was paid to the mingled piety 
and talent which formed the charm of his 
ministry. From the known endowments of 
the preacher, and from the opportunities which 
he enjoyed of obtaining a correct estimate of 
Mr. Spencer's powers, that tribute must derive 
considerable propriety and force: and as it 
chiefly regards his ministerial labours in Lon- 
don, I shall close these imperfect memoirs of 
them with an extract from it. 

" During the last two years of our valuable 
friend's residence at Hoxton, he was very fre- 
quently engaged in preaching in London and 
its vicinity. As this chapel has been, on many 
occasions, the scene of his labours, and has 
been often thronged with the multitudes 
attracted by his abilities and piety, I need 
scarcely attempt an estimate of his pulpit ta- 
lents. That they were eminent — that they 
were brilliant — that they were captivating — 
will not, I think, be denied by any who wit- 
nessed their exhibition. He undoubtedly dis- 
played no small degree of pulpit eloquence, and 
his eloquence was distinguished by character- 
istic features. It was not the kind of eloquence 
in which a youth of genius might be expected 
most to excel, and of which luxuriance of imagi- 
nation constitutes the chief attraction ; it was 
not a peculiar vivacity of fancy, which gave 
life to his addresses, although in this respect 
they were not deficient ; but they rather owed 



104 MEMOIRS OF THE 

their effect to the energy and animation in- 
fused by the ardour of his soul, and to the un- 
affected fervour of his religious feelings, the 
impression of which was aided by no small 
advantages of person, voice, and elocution. 
In endeavouring rightly to appreciate his 
qualifications for the duties of the Christian 
ministry, I must not omit to notice the truly 
edifying manner in which he conducted the 
devotional exercises of the pulpit. His gift 
in pra\er was peculiarly excellent. The lan- 
guage of his petitions seemed to breathe the 
ardent aspirations of a heart alive to God, and 
accustomed to enjoy fellowship with the Fa- 
ther, and with his Son Jesus Christ." 

That he was maturing fast for the enjoy- 
ment of his reward, even when he left London 
to commence his pastoral engagement, is a 
conviction indelibly impressed upon the minds 
of those who were accustomed to attend his 
preaching, or mingle in his society. They 
remember certain expressions, both of coun- 
tenance and language, which seemed to in- 
dicate a tone of piety — a spirituality of feel- 
ing — too exalted for a long continuance here. 
And it is to be regretted, that such expres- 
sions, at the time so powerful in their influence, 
and so carefully preserved by a tenacious me- 
mory, no pen — no pencil can portray. Hence 
the sermons of animated and extemporary 
preachers, when introduced to us from the 
press, lose half their force and beauty. The 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 105 

scope of the discourse — the process of the 
argument — may be indeed preserved ; but the 
unpremeditated, momentary flashes of holy 
fervour, and of brilliant genius, cannot. The 
eloquence of the eye — the expression of the 
countenance — the meaning which is some- 
times thrown into every limb and muscle of 
the frame — are wanting. And though it is 
pleasing to possess a memorial of those, whom 
living we revered and loved, yet the imper- 
fection of the copy only deepens our regret at 
the loss of the original. In the preaching of 
Spencer, it seemed as though he saw before 
him every object he described — and felt the 
full force — the vast importance of every sub- 
ject upon which he spoke. 

Preaching one evening at Back street, Hors- 
ley-Down, and speaking of the reward of the 
faithful gospel minister — " Methinks," said he, 
" I already hear the melodious accents of the 
Saviour's voice, saying, c Well done, good and 
faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy 
Lord.' " It w r as remarked, that he appeared 
as though he heard a voice personally addres- 
sing him. His anticipation was in a very few 
months realized ! 

On Sunday, 3d of February, 1811, Mr. 
Spencer commenced his stated, pastoral la- 
bours at Newington chapel, Liverpool. He 
was then just twenty years of age — possessed 
of every endowment that could render him 
eminent as a minister — and every amiable 



106 ME3IOIRS OF THE 

disposition that could endear him as a friend. 
The people of his charge, together with num- 
bers who participated with them in their joy, 
hailed his entrance on his sacred duties with 
delight. From him they fondly anticipated a 
long series of varied and useful instructions — 
on him they gazed with admiration, as afford- 
ing them no mean example of a holy and de- 
voted life — and to him they looked with plea- 
sure as their children's friend. That he was 
prepared to meet these high expectations, none 
who have contemplated the superior endow- 
ments of his mind, can, for a moment, doubt— 
his literary attainments, though not splendid, 
were respectable — his theological knowledge 
was considerable — his acquaintance with man- 
kind indeed was scanty ; he had only moved 
amongst the excellent of the earth ; but this, 
while it might expose him to certain incon- 
veniences, gave him this advantage — that he 
appeared in all the native ingenuousness of 
unsuspecting youth. His love of study was 
great, which insured a constant supply of in- 
teresting materials for his public ministry — 
whilst he possessed a facility, an ease, an ele- 
gance, in the communication of his thoughts, 
displayed by few. To all these, he added the 
graces of the Spirit in no common degree — 
the glorious attributes of a soul eminently de- 
voted to God — a solemn awe of his sacred 
office — an habitual reference to the final 
account he should be called to render — and 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 107 

an ardent zeal for the Redeemer's glory ! — 
Such was Spencer when he entered on the 
duties of his stated ministry! 

But I shall justify this sketch of his charac- 
ter by some extracts from his letters. 

In one dated Brighton, January the 9th, 
1811, he says — 

" I dread the termination of the happiness 
I now enjoy. It will be the commencement 
of a long and agonizing separation. Oh ! that 
henceforth I may live more devotedly to God 
than I have ever yet done. I can truly say 
this is my desire ; for to be a preacher of the 
gospel, and not to feel its due abiding in- 
fluence on the heart, is awful indeed. Since 
I have been here I have 'trembled for myself, 
when I have recollected the numerous follies 
of the four years I have spent at Hoxton. 
The Lord pardon me, and teach me to be 
more holy. Pray for me. Affectionately, 
yours, " 

TO MR. JOHN HADDON. 

Liverpool, February, 1811. 
" my dear friend, — I am safely arrived at 
the scene of my future labours. My journey, 
though long, was far less irksome than any one 
I have before undertaken. The roads were 
bad ; this made us late in our arrival at Liver- 
pool. We did not reach it till a quarter be- 
fore twelve last night. The short time that I 
have yet spent here has been quite pleasant— 



108 MEMOIRS OF THE 

it has been happy. The serious people of the 
congregation have already paid me many kind 
and Christian attentions. With the blessing 
of the Master whom I serve, I expect to-mor- 
row to spend a very delightful Sabbath. My 
best feelings for the glory of our Lord, and the 
increase of his kingdom, will, I hope, be more 
strongly excited than ever they have yet been. 
I cannot but think that the Head of the Church 
has some great work to accomplish in Liver- 
pool, and the desire of my heart is that I may 
be the instrument employed to effect it. Oh ! 
for a large measure of the influence of the 
blessed Spirit to render me ardently pious, and 
to keep me zealous in my endeavours to do 
good to souls. I know here are numbers who 
pray earnestly for me, and whilst these pious 
people besiege the throne of grace on my be- 
half, I will not fear that my God will desert 
me. — To be holy and to be useful at this mo- 
ment, appears to be the first wish of my heart. 
Do you say, ' indulgent God, let it be accom- 
plished !' 

" I am tired with my journey, and pressed 
for time. Believe me, in the bonds of Chris- 
tian affection, sincerely yours, 

" Thomas Spencer." 

According to his anticipation, he did enjoy 
on the Sabbath a happy day, although in the 
morning he was considerably agitated by the 
peculiarly solemn circumstances of his new 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 109 

and most responsible situation. In the morn- 
ing his text was admirably adapted to the oc- 
casion. — Gen. xxviii. 22 ; " And Jacob vow- 
ed a vow, saying, if God will be with me, and 
keep me in this way that I go, and will give 
me bread to eat and raiment to put on, so that 
I come again, to my father's house in peace ; 
then shall the Lord be my God, and this stone 
which I have set up for a pillar, shall be 
God's house, and of all that thou shalt give 
me I will surely give the tenth unto thee." — In 
the evening he preached from 1 Cor. xv. 49 ; 
" And as we have borne the image of the 
earthly, we shall also bear the image of the 
heavenly." — In the course of the ensuing 
week he wrote as follows : 

Liverpool, Feb. 7, 1811. 

" O ! what a memorable day to me was the 
first Sabbath I spent in this place ; every cir- 
cumstance that took place appeared worthy of 
attention and big with events ; never before 
had I entered a pulpit, with those awful, solemn 
feelings with which I was impressed that morn- 
ing. The idea of appearing in a new charac- 
ter, of entering on a station which I have no 
view of relinquishing till the day of my death ; 
the weight of responsibility which attaches to 
the ministerial character; the dread lest I 
should act in any way unworthy of my sacred 
office ; all these things would naturally im- 
part an unusual solemnity to the mind. On 
K 



110 MEMOIRS OF THE 

that day heaven is my witness of the holy 
resolution I formed. Oh ! that God may ever 
enable me to put them in execution." 

The attention which his labours had ex- 
cited, while an occasional supply, was repeat- 
ed, now that he had commenced his stated 
ministry. Soon the chapel became again 
crowded to excess. The town was filled with 
his praise — the most respectable of the in- 
habitants were perpetually disappointed in 
their attempts to hear him, not being in any 
way able to gain admittance to the chapel, so 
excessive was the throng. His coming seemed 
to be the commencement of a new era in 
the religious interests of Liverpool — at least 
amongst the dissenters. The prejudices of 
many were gradually subdued. The tone of 
public sentiment, with respect to that class 
of Christians, amongst whom he laboured, 
considerably raised. Many, by no means 
anxious to conceal their opposition to his prin- 
ciples, were compelled to pay a just, though 
reluctant tribute to the fascinations of his elo- 
quence; and many whom the fame of that 
eloquence brought beneath the sound of his 
voice were savingly converted unto God ,* and 
of these, some are at this moment honourable 
members of the church of which he was the 
pastor. 

So far from being elated by his popularity, 
and rendered vain by the uncommon attention 
be excited and received from all ranks — every 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER, 111 

Sabbath, while he grew in public estimation, 
he seemed to sink in his own esteem, in hum- 
ble acknowledgments of his own unworthi- 
ness, and in a yet deeper sense of his awful 
obligations. The next is an extract of a let- 
ter to his father. 

Liver-pool, February 26, 1811. 

" I assure you I have every reason to be- 
lieve, that this is the sphere in which Infinite 
Wisdom intends me to move. My congrega- 
tion is vast every time I dispense the word of 
life. A general spirit of hearing seems ex- 
cited in this large town — the prospect is in 
every respect encouraging, and I am induced 
to hope, that great good will be done. I feel 
the awful responsibility that attaches to my 
employment; and when I recollect the mul- 
titude of souls committed to my care, I trem- 
ble, and exclaim, ' Who is sufficient for these 
things V I often think how different is my 
situation now, to what it was when I lived at 
my father's house. I am called to an active 
and laborious scene. Once it was enough for 
me just to execute your wishes, and then in 
the quiet enjoyment of our own family circle 
ro experience satisfaction and comfort. Now 
God has blessed me by making me a blessing 
to others. May he preserve me faithful, and 
make me an honourable and holy Christian ?" 

In another letter to his father, dated April 
the 9th, 1811, he says — 



112 MEMOIRS OF THE 

" The interest excited in this town is still 
lively and great. I trust much good is done. 
Prejudices are removed, convictions are im- 
pressed on the mind, and the cause of Satan 
appears to tremble under the influence of the 
doctrines of the Cross." 

This is indeed a portrait worthy the atten- 
tion of the candidate for the Christian minis- 
try — the student and the minister. It is charm- 
ing to behold such excellence, so universally 
applauded, veiled from its own observation by 
such deep humility. 

to 

Liverpool. 
" my dear friend, — I earnestly wish for 
you the support and the care of our constant 
and unchangeable Friend, the Lord Jesus 
Christ : every day seems to convince me of 
the necessity and the happiness of a close 
walk with God : let us be always trusting in 
God, and praying to him, and there is no doubt 
but he will preserve and bless us. I was much 
pleased with an instance of resignation to 
the Divine Will, I lately met with. A pious 
and valuable member of our congregation lost 
his property to a considerable amount, by an 
alarming fire. I was with him soon after it 
happened, and it would have done you good 
to have heard him say, with so much calm 
and sacred acquiescence as he discovered, 
'The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken 



REV. THOMAS SPEXCEK. 113 

away ; blessed be the name of the Lord.' I 
could not but wish that in all times of trial, I 
and my friends might have the same God to 
strengthen and fortify the mind as he had. 
Indeed you were mistaken, my worthy friend, 
when you judged my letter to you an expres- 
sion of joy at separation from my friends. No, 
no. There is not a heart in the world that 
feels more truly and sincerely on such occa- 
sions than my ow T n ; but I w T ish ever to remem- 
ber the great object of my existence, and of 
my call to the ministry — not selfish ends, but 
the glory of my God ; and w T hen he commands, 
whatever flesh and blood might suggest, or 
carnal wishes desire, I must immediately obey. 
It is this thought, and the persuasion that I 
am employed in the vineyard of the Lord, just 
according to His will, that give me compo- 
sure and peace of mind ; and I can witness 
that prayer unloads and eases the mind as 
much at Liverpool as any where else. Here 
I hope I have felt such salutary convictions of 
the awful responsibility of my w r ork, as I never 
knew before, and as I hope I shall never for- 
get ; and happy am I to find, that here there 
are many of the Lord's jewels, his choicest fa- 
vourites, many who I trust call on the name 
of the Lord Jesus, out of a pure heart and 
with a faith unfeigned. In our prayer meet- 
ing, I have enjoyed a heaven begun below, 
and that kind of devotion which can well re- 
pay me for the sacrifices I have made. I sup- 
k2 



114 MEMOIRS OF THE 

pose you have heard of the prospects of use- 
fulness which open themselves before me : 
may I have grace to improve every hour of 
my time to the service of my God, and to 
maintain that holiness and integrity of con- 
duct which will recommend the glorious gos- 
pel I proclaim." 

The uncommon attention excited in Liver- 
pool by Mr. Spencer's ministry, soon suggest- 
ed the necessity of providing more accommo- 
dation than Newington chapel could afford, for 
the numbers who were anxious to enjoy the 
benefit of his stated labours. At first the idea 
of enlarging the old place of worship present- 
ed itself; but some difficulties arising, this 
was relinquished, and early in March it was 
resolved, that a chapel capable of accommo- 
dating two thousand persons should be erect- 
ed — a committee of management was appoint- 
ed — and an eligible spot of ground soon se- 
lected for the purpose. A most judicious plan 
for the building was proposed and adopted — 
the dimensions of which were sixty-four feet 
six inches in front, by ninety-six feet in depth. 
A liberal subscription was soon obtained, and 
the affair was in a state of such forwardness 
on his return from Brighton, that on the 15th 
of April, Mr. Spencer laid the first Stone of 
the chapel, in the presence of an immense as- 
sembly — computed to consist of about six 
thousand persons. On that truly interesting 



REV. THOMAS SPENCEK. 115 

occasion, he delivered an appropriate address, 
and solemnly dedicated the place to God by 
prayer. 

About this time Mr. Spencer removed from 
the hospitable abode of his early friend, with 
whom he had resided on his first coming to 
Liverpool, in order to lodge with Mr, Thurs- 
ton Lassel, in the Park road ; a pleasant situa- 
tion, about half a mile from the town. It was 
the lot of Spencer to be beloved in every cir- 
cle w T hich he entered — and none w r ho were so 
fortunate as to behold his excellence, and en- 
joy his friendship, ever resigned him without 
feelings of the deepest regret. I cannot deny 
myself the pleasure of extracting a sentence 
or two from the willing testimony w T hich that 
friend has borne to the sterling worth of his 
amiable guest. I am the more anxious to do 
this, as it will unveil his character in private 
life, and show us what he was as the member 
of a family. 

" We had the great advantage of Mr. Spen- 
cer's pious conversation and fervent prayers in 
the family for near four months, for he did not 
leave us till the latter end of April ; it was in- 
deed a pleasant, and 1 trust a profitable sea- 
son, w T hich we often review with great delight. 
With what pleasing emotions have we often 
surrounded our domestic altar, and witnessed 
the fervour of his addresses to the God and 
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this de- 
lightful employ, he never seemed to engage 



116 MEMOIRS OF THE 

with half a heart ; his whole soul was alive to 
the service of his God : he was serious in a 
serious cause, nor did any circumstances that 
arose ever seem to unfit him for the discharge 
of religious duties. Morning and evening he 
generally engaged in prayer at family wor- 
ship; the variety he produced on these occa- 
sions has often astonished us ; it was impos- 
sible to trace any thing like repetition ; every 
prayer seemed quite new, and gave fresh 
proof of the powers of his mind, and the ardour 
of his soul. 

" Mr. Spencer naturally possessed an amia-' 
ble disposition, and was innocently cheerful ; 
no one could say that gloom or melancholy 
was connected with his religion. In his man- 
ners he was simple and unaffected ; any thing 
like ostentation or parade he disliked exceed- 
ingly ; he would always, if possible, avoid 
mixing with large parties. The company of 
serious, pious, plain Christians was his de- 
light. He was kind, generous, and tender- 
hearted ; the wants of the poor and necessitous 
he was ready and willing to relieve; to do 
good and communicate he never forgot, know- 
ing, that with such sacrifices God is well 
pleased. 

But whilst all around him was prosperous 
and happy — whilst his ministry was success- 
ful beyond his most sanguine expectations — 
and hundreds were eager to administer to his 
comfort — his heart was the victim of anxiety 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 117 

and grief. The continued and alarming in- 
disposition of his friends at Brighton, in- 
spired his delicate and susceptible mind with 
the most gloomy and agonizing fears. It was 
well. His heavenly Father saw he needed 
some thorn in the flesh, under the circum- 
stances of his unexampled popularity, to pre- 
vent his being exalted above measure — and 
to preserve his soul in a frame of holy solem- 
nity, and humble reliance on himself. Lest 
the sun of his prosperity should dazzle him 
too much, these friendly clouds were per- 
mitted to intervene. 

The week following that in which he laid 
the foundation stone of the new chapel, Mr 
Spencer made an excursion into the country, 
and preached on the Tuesday evening at 
Da?* wen, and on the Thursday evening at a 
meeting of ministers at Blackburn. 

During this journey he suffered much from 
the complaint to which he was subject — but 
although labouring under the pressure of se- 
vere indisposition, in the pulpit he rose su- 
perior to the influence of languor and pain — 
and his exertions on that journey are still 
spoken of by those who witnessed them, and 
they were many, with delight. 

On his return to Liverpool, Mr. Spencer 
received a melancholy summons to Chester, 
to attend the funeral of his early and amiable 
friend, the Rev. Ebenezer White, and to de- 
liver the oration at his grave. His obligations 



118 MEMOIRS OP THE 

and attachment to that excellent man hare 
already been recorded. When arrived at the 
scene of death, his delicate mind seemed 
overwhelmed in an agony of grief. He stood 
weeping in unutterable distress over the cold 
remains of his departed friend. His bosom, 
formed for friendship, and even then the seat 
of no ordinary sorrow, was ill prepared to sus- 
tain the pressure of a stroke, by which he 
was suddenly bereft of one who had discharg- 
ed for him the relations of the father, the 
tutor, and the friend ! Mr. Walter White, who 
was the witness of his grief, has thus describ- 
ed it : — " I shall not easily forget this dear 
young man's behaviour on the evening pre- 
ceding my brother's funeral at Chester. We 
were standing together by the side of the cof- 
fin, viewing the corpse — he wept excessively, 
and clasping his hands with great emotion, 
exclaimed, ' Oh ! that I may but finish my 
course like him !' and turning to me he said, 
with his usual energy, ' Oh ! what a fine 
thought it is, that the bodies of the saints are 
purchased by Christ as well as their souls.' 
And then passing his friendly hand gently 
over my brother's face, he said with great 
emphasis, ' This body is the purchase of 
Christ: it cannot be lost — it must revive 
again — all these limbs must resume their ac- 
tivity. Oh ! with what fine sentiments and 
ideas does the Christian religion furnish us to 
what any of the heathen systems did !' " 



REV. THOMAS SPEXCER. 119 

Though excessively agitated in his whole 
frame, he yet sustained himself to deliver at 
the grave a funeral oration, characterized by 
tender and solemn eloquence — the eloquence 
of feeling and of piety. 

His letters to his friends for some time after 
this event, contain occasional allusions to the 
death of Mr. White — and in a way which 
proves how much he loved him — how deeply 
he deplored his loss. In one he says — 

" I have lately been visiting a scene of 
death at Chester : my worthy friend Mr. 
White is now no more in this world ; but I 
doubt not, he shines illustrious in another 
state of existence. When I was eleven years 
of age he came to Hertford, and used to spend 
a great deal of time with me : ah ! little did I 
then think I should have to deliver a funeral 
address at his interment, and so far away too 
from the place with which we were then fa- 
miliar. Peace to his ashes, and eternal joy to 
his departed spirit ! and ere long may I meet 
him in that blessed state, where disappoint- 
ments will no longer be his lot or mine." 

On the Sabbath evening following, Mr. 
Spencer preached a funeral sermon for his 
friend, in his own pulpit at Liverpool, from 
Deut. xxxiv. 5, " So Moses the servant of the 
Lord, died there in the land of Moab, accord- 
ing to the word of the Lord." The sermon 
was solemn and impressive. Thus we record 
the mortality of others, and drop into eternity 



120 MEMOIRS OF THE 

ourselves. On that Sabbath evening three 
months, his own funeral sermon was preached 
in the same pulpit. 

The following letter was written the day 
before the funeral of Mr. White. 

TO MR. HADDON. 

May 13, 1811. 
" my dear friend — I am ashamed when 
I think of the length of time which has passed 
since I last wrote to you ; but indeed since then 
I have scarcely written to any one, so much 
have I been occupied. What a beautiful and 
admirable narrative is the Dairyman's Daugh- 
ter ; if you can, get me two hundred of them, 
and send them to me the very first opportunity : 
they are just the kind of publication I want for 
several of my hearers. Procure me some of 
the Negro Servant, and of all the interesting 
modern tracts, which your own discretion may 
suggest. The Rev. Ebenezer White of Ches- 
ter, has entered into the joy of his Lord. He 
was formerly settled at Hertford. I knew him 
and highly esteemed him. I am going to his 
funeral. Oh ! how uncertain is human life ! 
how necessary that habitual frame of piety 
which the Holy Spirit can impart to his be- 
lieving favourites ! May we both enjoy the 
sanctity of religion, love it for its purity, and 
be enabled to discern its holy excellences ■ 
then we shall show that our regeneration is 
real, and our hope of heaven well supported. 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 121 

God is showing me more and more of the un- 
certainty of all things here, and the necessity 
of living the blessed life of faith upon the Son 
of God, who, 1 sometimes think I can say, 
1 loved me, and gave himself for me.' I study 
a good deal, and find increasing pleasure in 
it. In visiting, as yet I have done but very 
little. The families I am most intimate with, 
are the serious, the pious followers of Christ ; 
for I find that these alone can help me to 
comfort under my own trials, or in any way 
do me real good. But I know I must not be 
selfish. I must labour to do good in any way 
I can possibly think of. 

" I am much pleased with my lodgings ; the 
situation is so retired and beautiful, that it is 
every thing I can wish. I doubt not but you 
continue to pray for me : I need your prayers. 
I feel the awful responsibility of my work, 
and my own unfitness for it. I long to 'pre- 
sent every man perfect in Christ Jesus.'' Re- 
member me affectionately to all our friends.] 
I am sincerely yours, 

" Thomas Spencer." 

The day of ordination at length arrived. It 
was indeed an interesting day. The services 
were commenced by the Rev. Mr. Evans of 
Stockport, who read suitable portions of scrip- 
ture, and implored the divine blessing upon 
the sacred engagements of the day. The Rev, 
Joseph Fletcher, M. A. of Blackburn, then 
L 



122 MEMOIRS OF THE 

delivered an admirable introductory discourse, 
and received from Mr. Spencer his confession 
of faith, together with answers to the ques- 
tions usually, on such occasions, proposed to 
the minister to be ordained. Mr. Spencer 
then kneeling down, surrounded by his fathers 
and brethren in the ministry, the Rev. John 
Cockin, of Halifax, offered up, with deep so- 
lemnity, the ordination prayer, accompanied 
by the imposition of hands. To this act of 
ordination succeeded a most impressive and 
affecting charge from the Rev. William Hor- 
dle, of Harwich, Mr. Spencer's former tutor 
and friend. The passage on which this ex- 
cellent address was founded was Col. iv. 17 ; 
" Take heed to the ministry which thou hast 
received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it." The 
Rev. Mr. Roby, of Manchester, preached to 
the people of Mr. Spencer's charge, upon the 
duties which devolved on them in the relation 
that day publicly recognised, from Gal. iv. 18; 
" It is good to be zealously affected always in 
a good thing." The service was throughout 
most affecting and impressive ; it was charac- 
terized by a peculiar solemnity, both in the 
feelings of the ministers and people. The 
tender frame and delicate mind of Spencer 
was nearly overwhelmed by the awful consid- 
erations which then pressed upon him. Had 
the melancholy event which so rapidly suc- 
ceeded this interesting service been at that 
time certainly announced, a seriousness more 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER, 123 

suitable to the occasion could hardly have 
been inspired; and indeed in Mr. Hordle's 
charge there were passages which in the sad 
sequel of this history appear most singularly 
appropriate — bordering even on the prophetic ' 
One in particular deserves to be recorded : — 

" You, my dear young brother, must die, 
and stand at the bar of God. Your ordination 
service may be only a prelude to your funeral 
service, for what is man ? Man is but of yes- 
terday, and his days are as a shadow. How 
often have we seen the sun go down while it 
is yet day ! and while the church has been 
pleasing itself with the prospect of enjoying 
the pious fervent labours of an endeared 
minister for years, has an unexpected stroke 
separated them for ever ! Mourning survivors 
wondering have said, ' Verily thou art a God 
that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Sa- 
viour.' " 

Mr. Spencer was now fully invested with 
that sacred office, which from his infancy he 
had desired ; and he set himself diligently to 
the discharge of its momentous duties. That 
he felt its importance, was evident to all. His 
habitual conduct and conversation proved it. 
To his most intimate friends he freely ex- 
pressed his anxieties respecting it ; and ear- 
nestly did he implore an interest in the prayers 
of his people and his brethren in the ministry. 
In the assurance that he laboured amongst a 
praying people, he felt confidence : and no 



124 MEMOIRS OF THE 

consideration is more adapted to relieve the 
mind of a faithful minister than this— while 
it pours unseen a thousand blessings on his 
head, it secures to his labours an affectionate 
attention, and an earnest desire rightly to ap- 
preciate and improve them. 

On the first Sabbath in July Mr. Spencer 
dispensed, for the first time, the solemn ordi- 
nance of the Lord's supper. It was a time 
of love — a season of refreshing from the pre- 
sence of the Lord. The sweet impression of 
that happy day still remains, and its memory 
is yet dear to many. On the following Mon- 
day, at the social prayer meeting in the even- 
ing, in the bosom of his people, he again 
solemnly dedicated himself to God, and re- 
newed his vows to consecrate all his powers 
to their service in the work of the ministry. 
Indeed all he wrote, or said, or did, indicated 
the holy fervour of his soul. Tenderly alive 
to the sacred delicacy of his character, he was 
anxious to sustain it well, that the cause of Je- 
sus might not suffer by any spots it might con- 
tract. Conscientiously awake to every call of 
duty which his most responsible station might 
involve, he was ready to obey them all — that 
the ministry might not be blamed ! — The fol- 
lowing letter is from his correspondence about 
this time, and may be numbered with the last 
he ever wrote. The expressions which I have 
copied, are mingled with others sacred to the 
privacy of friendship. They promise pleasures 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 125 

that were never realized — unfold prospects 
that were suddenly destroyed — and record ar- 
rangements that he was not permitted to fulfil ! 

TO MR. HADDON. 

Liverpool, July 8, 1811. 

" MY DEAR FRIEND, * * * * * * The Or- 

dination has, for the last fortnight, occupied 
almost the whole of my attention, and the im- 
pression, the solemn, the holy impression of 
which, I trust I shall never forget. Yesterday, 
for the first time in my life, I administered 
the ordinance of the Lord's supper, and found 
it to be indeed c a time of refreshing from the 
presence of the LordS My duties are more 
and more important and pressing. Conversa- 
tions upon religious experience with candi- 
dates for admission into our church, and the 
calls of the sick and dying must necessarily 
engage much of my attention. But I can 
sincerely bless God, that amidst all the de- 
pression of mind I have suffered, my work has 
been my delight. The duties of the ministry 
have often refreshed, instead of having op» 
pressed me. The pleasure of the Lord has 
prospered in my hands. I love the service 
of the Head of the Church better than ever I 
did : when I am watering others, I find that 
Jehovah the Spirit waters my own soul too ! 
Oh ! is not this an encouraging token for 
good? In great haste, I am your affection- 
ate friend, Thomas Spencer." 
l2 



126 MEMOIRS OF THE 

On Thursday, 1st August, about noon, one 
of his deacons called upon him at his resi- 
dence, and he was occupied the whole day 
with him in visiting those who were to be re- 
ceived into the church; his conversations, 
with the respective candidates, were truly 
admirable and appropriate, and such as will 
remain in the grateful memory of those who 
had the happiness to enjoy them. On Friday 
he was occupied until the afternoon in writing 
letters to his friends. I am able to present 
the reader with extracts from two of them. 

August 2, 1811. 

" I find growing pleasure in my ministerial 
employment; this evening I have to admit 
eight new members to church communion ; 
indeed, when I accepted this situation, I 
never conceived that I should have half the 
engagements or duties to attend to, which I 
now find must be accomplished, if I would 
merit the character of an active, useful minis- 
ter of religion. I think my recent afflictions, 
and the solemn duties which now devolve 
upon me, have in a considerable degree 
chastened my character, and imparted, per- 
haps a seriousness to my general deportment, 
which may prove highly advantageous to me 
in future life. How long this will last I can- 
not tell ; but I think affliction adds a weight to 
character that nothing else does, and espe- 
cially to young people and young ministers. 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 127 

I have lately been preaching in the villages 
round Liverpool. — Oh let us aim to glorify God, 
and then trust all our concerns in his hands, 
so that at the last, we may be accepted of him." 
In another, to his father, he says : 
" I was much hurt at the account of my 
mother's* illness ; I hope no distressing cir- 
cumstances have arisen; and by this time, 
perhaps, I may indulge the idea that you are 
better yourself. Oh ! how necessary that we 
should all seek a better country, since here 
there is so much change, affliction, and wo. 
May every trial be sanctified to us all, and 
we be meetened for the inheritance of the 
saints in light." 

Having concluded his earthly correspon- 
dence with his distant friends for ever, in 
the afternoon he resumed his pastoral visits 
amongst his people, and the candidates who 
were to be that evening received. At the 
church meeting he was particularly lively ; 
with holy joy he welcomed the new members 
into the communion of the church, and as he 
gave to each the right hand of fellowship, he 
addressed a short but most affectionate and 
solemn exhortation, admirably adapted to their 
respective ages, stations, and feelings. In- 
deed, all the duties of the pastor's office were 
conducted by him with a propriety and an 
ease, which years of experience are frequently 

* His step-mother. 






128 BIEM01RS OF THE 

unable to supply. With the unaffected sim- 
plicity of youth he tempered the dignity of 
age — he seemed to be at once at home in the 
duties of his new and important station- — 
never embarrassed or confused ; he appeared 
to have an intuitive perception of what be- 
longed to his character and office, in every 
case as it arose ; and following the inward 
suggestion, he acquitted himself well,- and 
discharged w T ith undeviating consistency the 
high responsibility he bore. 

After the meeting, Mr. Spencer spent the 
evening in serious conversation with a few 
friends ; leading with great fervour the devo- 
tions of the family, and closing a day of sa- 
cred duties, with uncommon calmness and 
placidity of mind. 

The following morning, Saturday, he spent 
in his study, in preparations for the pulpit. 
In the course of the day he wrote to a young 
lady, one of the number received, the pre- 
ceding evening, into his church — at the close 
of the note he said, — 

" T suppose you anticipate to-morrow with 
feelings of solemnity ; you will appear in a 
new light to the church of Christ, and the 
spectators of our holy solemnities ; we shall 
share to-morrow Zion's chief feast. May the 
blessing of the God of ordinances be upon us 
all. Wishing you the enjoyment of perfect 
health, and much communion with your best 
Friend, I remain, &c." 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 129 

But the scene closes rapidly upon us. On 
the last Sabbath of his life, August 4th, he 
rose with unusual health and spirits. The 
family with whom he resided always beheld 
him with peculiar interest on the morning of 
the Sabbath, such an air of angelic mildness 
and composure sat upon his countenance — 
find so deeply did he seem absorbed in the 
contemplation of the sacred duties of the day. 
That morning he preached from Jer. xxxi. 3, — 
" I have loved thee with an everlasting love, 
therefore with loving kindness have I drawn 
thee." — The way of his discussing the subject 
was simple and interesting : — I have drawn 
thee — to the cross — to the throne — to the 
church — were the leading ideas in the dis- 
course. It was particularly adapted to the oc- 
casion, so many new members being that day 
added to the church. He afterwards adminis- 
tered the Lord's supper in a mos f solemn and 
affecting manner. Such as witnessed the 
scene — and the number of spectators was 
about three hundred — bear a unanimous tes- 
timony to the deep solemnity by which it w T as 
characterized. His appeals to the conscience 
were so close and overwhelming — his invita- 
tions to the faint and weary were so pressing 
and tender — his countenance — his voice — his 
whole manner was so expressive of holy fer- 
vour, that every eye was fixed — every heart 
seemed moved. How long the impression 
will remain I cannot tell ; but the emotions 



130 MEMOIRS OF THE 

enkindled by the transactions of that day are 
yet lively in the hearts of many — and numbers 
love to converse upon it, as one of those rare 
and highly favoured seasons, in which the dis- 
tance between earth and heaven seems anni- 
hilated — and so transporting is the joy, that 
whether in the body or out of the body, the 
happy Christian can scarcely tell ! To a friend, 
who afterwards hinted that he appeared to be 
very happy in prayer at the Lord's supper, he 
replied — " O yes ; I thought I could have 
prayed, and prayed, and mounted up to hea- 
ven !" At the close of that memorable ser- 
vice — one, the ardour of whose feelings age 
had checked, observed, that " Mr. Spencer 
seemed that morning twenty years older in 
experience than he really was." At dinner 
he mentioned to the family, that he had re- 
ceived that morning a letter from a friend in 
London who had been formerly reluctant to 
his settlement in Liverpool, as though it were 
not the sphere designed by Providence for 
him. He then expressed the full conviction 
of his own mind, that he was precisely where 
he ought to be — under such an impression, he 
observed, that he w T as perfectly satisfied and 
happy ; and added, " if it had not been the will 
of God, I should never have settled here." 

In the evening, in the midst of a throng, 
such as is rarely witnessed, and from which 
hundreds departed unable to gain access, he 
preached from Luke x. 42, " One thing is 



KEV. THOMAS SPENCER. 131 

needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part 
which shall not be taken away from her." — His 
chief object in this sermon was to show, that 
communion with the Saviour is the one thing 
needful. Throughout the whole discourse, it 
seemed as if all the powers of his mind, all the 
ardour of his soul, were infused into his com- 
position, and his delivery. In the application, 
he was uncommonly urgent with the young— 
earnestly exhorting them to an immediate de- 
cision on the side of Christ — representing to 
them the folly and danger of deferring the 
important concerns of salvation and eternity 
to an uncertain futurity — and assuring them 
that very soon he should meet them at the bar 
of God, and that there he should be a swift 
witness against them. By those who are best 
able to decide, it was observed, that his last 
sermon was perhaps the most adapted for use- 
fulness of any he had preached — and this ob- 
servation, which was made immediately after 
its delivery, has been since most amply con- 
firmed, in instances perpetually presenting 
themselves, in which that sermon proved in- 
strumental in effecting the happiest impres- 
sions, many of which have issued in a saving 
change. 

After the labours of the day he went to the 
house of a friend to supper ; he did not appear 
to be unusually fatigued. With great fervour 
he led thje devotions of the family. He read 
a portion of scripture, and gave out the 165th 



132 MEMOIRS OF THE 

hymn of the 2d book. He was remarkably 
copious and earnest in prayer— commending 
especially to God — the family — the church — 
the members who had recently joined — the 
missionary (who was present) and every object 
to which his holy and benevolent mind re- 
curred. At supper the conversation was pure 
and spiritual — such as the book of remem- 
brance in heaven preserves — such as will not 
easily be forgotten upon earth. The subject 
was sudden death. The countenance of Spen- 
cer, always animated, was lighted up with holy 
joy as he discoursed upon the glory of depart- 
ed saints-— he seemed to realize the scenes he 
attempted to describe, whilst he expressed his 
own conceptions of the transport and surprise 
in which the disembodied spirit will be lost, 
when first admitted to the immediate presence 
of God. He spoke much upon the blessedness 
of putting off the garments of mortality in a 
moment, and being caught up unexpectedly 
and instantaneously to heaven ! He seemed to 
lose the memory of the day's fatigue in the in- 
teresting theme, and frequently observed, that 
he had not for a long time felt himself so free 
from weariness. A little after eleven, he part- 
ed with his friends for ever. Never did they 
discover more of the warmth of his friendship, 
or the ardour of his piety, than in this last, 
happy interview. His countenance seemed 
irradiated with smiles of ineffable benignity — 
his whole deportment indicated a mind ab- 



REV. THOMAS SPEXCER. 133 

stracted from the world, except so far as it was 
bound to it, by the benevolent desire of doing" 
good, and holding communion and fellowship 
with God. So mature indeed did his character 
appear — so ripe did he seem for glory, that 
some of his friends could not but entertain a 
presentiment of his early removal. Though 
not then elevated to a higher sphere, he still 
appeared mysteriously weaned from earth. 
His loins were girt, and his lamp burning with 
unusual brightness, as though he expected 
the coming of his Lord. In its anticipation of 
future glory, his happy spirit seemed to try its 
pinions, preparatory to the glorious flight it 
was about to take. 

On Monday morning, August the 5th, the 
last day that dawned for him, he rose rather 
later than usual ; his mind was too active for 
his body : the exhausted frame required rest. 
After breakfast, he received a visit from a 
young lady, one of the members lately ad- 
mitted into the church. He entered the room 
with a cheerful smile ,* and the family having 
retired after some general conversation, he 

said, " Well M , you are now a member 

of a Christian church ; yesterday you solemnly 
professed your faith in Christ, while the at- 
tention of many of your fellow creatures was 
fixed on you ; God also beheld our profession — 
all heaven and hell witnessed the solemnity." 
On her expressing some fears lest she should 
be unable to act consistently with the profes- 



134 MEMOIRS OF THE 

sion she had made, he replied, " Live near to 
Christ — be much in communion with your 
own heart — be very frequent in addresses at 
a throne of grace, and there is no fear of you." 
Then referring to the long and agonizing dis- 
tress which he had suffered through the alarm- 
ing indisposition of his dearest connexions, 
and which seemed now happily removing, he 
said, "This severe affliction has not been 
sent, but for reasons the wisest and the best ; 
from it I have learned many lessons, and have 
enjoyed much of the presence of God under 
it. O may my heart be filled with gratitude 
to Him who is the author of all our mercies." 
Mr. Spencer was in the habit of frequently 
bathing, as he found it beneficial to his health. 
He purposed doing so that day, and had ex- 
pressed his intention in the morning. He 
had just repeated the first verse of Cowper's 
admirable hymn,- 

"God moves in a mysterious way, 

His wonders to perform, 
He plants his footsteps in the sea, 

And rides upon the storm," 

when one of the family came into the room, 
and said, that if he intended bathing, it was 
time that he should go, as it would very soon 
be high water. He assented ; but whilst a 
towel was procured for him, he turned to his 
young friend, and said, " I can't tell how it is, 
but I don't feel so much inclined to go, to- 
day, as usual." She asked if it was thought 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER, 135 

good for his health — he answered, " Yes, it 
will brace my nerves after the exertion of yes- 
terday." And, indeed, he had an immediate 
object in view, for he had folded his paper, 
and prepared his pen, in order to compose a 
sermon to be preached in the course of the 
ensuing week, on behalf of the Religious 
Tract Society, in London ; and he was anxious 
that, by bathing, his mind might be invigo- 
rated for study, as he had frequently observed 
it to have that pleasing influence. Mr. Spen- 
cer and his friend left the house together, 
when turning towards the water, he said, " I 
must go this way." They parted. His friend 
sought again the bosom of her family — he 
went the way whence he never returned ! 

The following pages of this history must 
be filled with weeping, and lamentation, and 
wo. With cheerfulness Mr. Spencer took the 
path which leads across the fields towards the 
Herculaneum potteries, a little above which it 
was his design to bathe. The eye of his friend, 
beneath whose roof he dwelt, followed him till 
distance hid from his sight. Arrived at the 
spot which he had selected, not so much from 
a knowledge of the ground, as from the cir- 
cumstance of its retirement, he asked a gen- 
tleman, who had been bathing, and who then 
was dressing, " if that was a good place to 
bathe at ?" — he answered that it was, but that 
it was rather stony near the side, but better 
when further in. Mr. Spencer replied, " I 



136 MEMOIRS OF THE 

rather think it is a good place myself, and I 
don't like to bathe near the pottery, there are 
so many people." Mr. S. then asked again, 
" Is the tide nigh up ?" to which he was an- 
swered, " About half past eleven." " Oh! 
dear," said Mr. Spencer, " it is near twelve." 
— As this conversation passed^ Mr. Spencer 
was undressing, and, at intervals, humming a 
tune. When undressed, he walked towards 
the water, and spoke to a workman belonging 
to the pottery, of the name of Potter, who also 
was bathing, and who directed him which way 
to come into the water. While walking in, 
Mr. Spencer observed, that it was very cold — 
to which Potter replied, " You will not find 
it so cold when in." Potter then plunged into 
the water about breast high, and when he next 
saw Mr. Spencer, he was swimming within his 
depth, but soon afterwards the tide swept him 
round an abrupt projecting rock, where the 
water was from six to seven feet. Potter 
himself, who is an expert swimmer, soon found 
the current driving him round the same rock ; 
but he immediately, with difficulty, swam to 
the shore, when he looked about for Mr. Spen- 
cer, and not seeing him, was much alarmed. 
At length, after the lapse of a minute or two, 
he saw the top of his head floating above the 
surface of the water. Potter could not tell 
whether he was amusing himself or drowning. 
He however cried out to him ; but receiving 
no answer, plunged in again, and swam to the 



REV. THOMAS SPENCER. 137 

rock, in order to render him assistance — but 
found it impossible.-- Mr. Spencer having* 
sunk in seven feet water, and the current be- 
ing remarkably strong. Potter, with consi- 
derable trouble, and not till some time had 
elapsed, got up the side of the rock, and com- 
municated the intelligence to Mr. Smith, of 
the potteries, who immediately ordered out 
two boats, which were directly manned and 
brought to the spot, when every exertion was 
made to find the body. 

I have frequently examined the place ; in- 
deed, I take a mournful pleasure in visiting 
the scene ; and I have sought the opinion of 
medical gentlemen respecting the immediate 
cause of Mr. Spencer's death. The spot is 
most unfavourable for safe and pleasant bath- 
ing. Whoever sees it at low water, is asto- 
nished that any person, acquainted with the 
nature of the shore, should venture there. 
There is a ridge of sharp and slippery rock, 
running in a curved direction, for many yards, 
into the water, and terminating abruptly ; on 
either side of this most rugged ridge the fall 
is instantaneous, and from one to two feet. It 
is highly probable, then, that Mr. S. swim- 
ming, as was described, along by the shore, 
might bring himself up immediately on the 
edge of this treacherous rock, which being 
slippery, deceived him, and by suddenly pre- 
cipitating him into deeper water, caused a 
spasm which directly suspended the functions 



id8 MEMOIRS OF THE 

of life, and he sunk, without further agitation 
or conflict, in the arms of death. 

In the meanwhile, the gentleman whom 
Mr. Spencer first addressed, returned, and, 
discovering the sad event, apprized them that 
it was Mr. Spencer the minister, who was lost. 
Potter renewed his exertions to find the body, 
assisted by the people in the boats, in which 
they at length succeeded, after it had been 
under the water about fifty minutes. By this 
time the melancholy tidings had spread abroad ; 
and happily some gentlemen of the faculty 
being in the neighbourhood, and hearing of 
the event, hastened immediately to the spot 5 
so that, ere the finding of the body, every 
thing was in readiness for instantly com- 
mencing the resuscitating process. 

When drawn from the water, the body ex- 
hibited no symptoms of violence or struggle in 
the act of dying — the countenance was placid 
and serene — -its features were perfectly undis- 
turbed, and so lovely was its expression in death, 
that one of the medical attendants observed, — 
a painter could not desire a finer object ! 

On the arrival of the body at the beach, 
the water was easily expelled, and being tJien 
wrapped up in flannel, it was immediately 
conveyed to the house of Mr. Smith, where, 
by the kind exertions of the family, every ne- 
cessary arrangement had been made for its 
reception. 

The apparatus having arrived from Liver- 



REV. THOMAS SPENC£K. 139 

pool, and three medical gentlemen being pre- 
sent to receive the body, the usual methods 
adopted in cases of suspended animation were 
instantly pursued. They were soon joined by 
three other gentlemen of the faculty, who ren- 
dered every possible assistance ; every expedi- 
ent was, in the course of the afternoon, resort- 
ed to — but alas, in vain ! and at five o'clock, 
in the opinion of all present, there remained 
not the faintest hope of restoring animation — 
the spark of life was totally extinguished. 

Thus, in one sad moment, was lost to so- 
ciety and to the church of Christ, one of the 
loveliest of men — one of the most eloquent of 
ministers: upon whose lips, only the preced- 
ing day, hundreds had hung with delight, and 
the long continued and extended exertion of 
whose powers, in a larger sanctuary, the foun- 
dation of which he had but recently laid, thou- 
sands anticipated with eager desire ! To tell 
how many hearts have bled, beneath this awful 
visitation, would require a fortitude which I 
do not possess — and constitute a volume not 
surpassed, in the anguish which it would de- 
scribe, by any similar catastrophe in the re- 
cords of human wo. The tidings spread 
through the populous town of Liverpool, with 
a rapidity, such as, in cases of public calami- 
ty, is usually inspired. They circulated 
through all ranks, and excited one common 
feeling of regret in every bosom. They 
reached the exchange, and produced an ex- 



140 MEMOIRS OF THE 

traordinary impression there ; those who knew 
him, mourned the loss of one they loved — and 
those who knew him not, felt the agitation of 
that sudden shock, which the premature remo- 
val of such men occasions — they participated 
in the general sympathy — and deplored the 
loss of Spencer, as an event demanding gene- 
ral regret! Numbers hastened to the spot. 
Some incredulous, to obtain the sad assurance 
of the truth — and others to enjoy the mourn- 
ful satisfaction of beholding that countenance 
in death, on which they had often gazed with 
transport, when kindled into radiance by the 
ardour of the soul that lately animated it. All 
was confusion and distress. Such a day has 
been seldom seen in Liverpool ; a day of such 
dreadful gloom — such universal grief. From 
the countenance of every one to whom the 
tidings came, one might have imagined he 
had lost a friend ; — whilst many, to whom by 
intimate acquaintance he had become pecu- 
liarly endeared — petrified at first with mingled 
horror and surprise, when recollection and feel- 
ing returned, yielded, for awhile, to the influ- 
ence of the deepest sorrow. 

Mr. Spencer was about twenty years of 
age ; in his person and countenance eminently 
prepossessing; and of manners most amiable, 
conciliating, and engaging. As a preacher, 
his talents were held in a degree of estimation, 
and possessed an extent of influence, which 
have seldom been equalled in the annals of 






REV. THOMAS SPE?s T CER. 141 

pulpit eloquence. His discourses were rather 
persuasive and hortatory, than argumentative 
or disquisitive : they were addressed more to 
the imagination and affections, than to the 
judgment ; and this, apparently, not so much 
from any deficiency of talent, as from a firm 
persuasion, that in matters of religion, the ave- 
nues to the understanding are chiefly to be 
sought in the heart. His sermons, thus con- 
etituted, were adorned with a felicity of ex- 
pression, and delivered in an unremitted flu- 
ency of language, altogether surprising in 
extemporaneous discourses. These essential 
qualities of eloquence were assisted by an 
uncommonly distinct articulation, a tone of 
voice singularly melodious, and great grace- 
fulness of action. Thus gifted by nature, and 
improved by cultivation, it is not surprising 
that he possessed the power of attaching an 
audience, in a manner that will never be for- 
gotten by those who attended his ministry. 
Perhaps it scarcely ever before fell to the lot 
of any individual, at so early an age, to have 
diffused religious impression through so exten- 
sive a circle of hearers ; and those who looked 
forward to the maturity of his powers, with the 
hope naturally inspired by his early excellence, 
will regard his loss as a public misfortune.* 

But at the solemnities of interment, the 
strongest demonstration of public feeling was 

* Liverpool Paper. 



142 MEMOIRS OF THE 

afforded. The concourse of people assembled 
to witness or assist in the last sad token of 
respect to his remains, was never, perhaps, 
equalled in Liverpool. Religion, Humanity, 
Friendship, and Genius, mingled their tears 
at his grave. 

All the streets through which the procession 
passed, were crowded to excess, as also were 
the windows and balconies of the houses. But 
the greatest decorum was observed — and a se- 
riousness, according with the solemn occasion, 
was manifested by all. The corpse was borne 
into the chapel, late the scene of Mr. Spen- 
cer's labours, and the Rev. Mr. Charrier, of 
Bethesda chapel, read part of the 15th chap- 
ter of the 1st of Corinthians, and the 4th and 
5th of the 1st of Thessalonians, and offered a 
most solemn prayer. At the grave an eloquent 
and impressive oration was delivered by the 
Rev. Joseph Fletcher, A. M. of Blackburn. The 
mournful service was concluded by a prayer 
from the Rev. Mr. Lister, of Lime-street chapel. 

" The whole scene," a Liverpool journal 
observes, " was affecting — it could not be 
otherwise. Every idea which could be associ- 
ated with the spectacle was such as to excite 
the deepest sympathy. The flower of youth, 
scarcely opened, snatched from the stem of 
life by a sudden and rude attack of mortality : 
a minister, who lately fixed the attention of 
crowded audiences by the power of his elo- 
quence, conveyed to the house of silence and 



REV. THOMAS SPEXCER. 143 

darkness ; the fairest prospects of honour and 
usefulness in life blasted ; the warm hopes of 
his friends wrecked in a moment ; and the 
deep, the dreadful wound inflicted in the 
feelings of relatives, and the dearest connex- 
ions. Such, however, are the appointments 
of a supreme governing Intelligence, to which 
human choice and wishes must bow with re- 
verence, supported by the general principle 
of the justice, wisdom, and benevolence, which 
direct the affairs of men. Similar afflictions 
are of frequent occurrence in private life, 
though they there pass unnoticed. Public 
characters excite attention both in their 
zenith and fall ; and so far as society is bereft 
of virtue, useful talents, and active zeal, their 
death is a public calamity." 

But not in Liverpool alone was the shock 
of Mr. Spencer's death felt — or the loss occa- 
sioned by his sudden removal deplored. Scarce- 
ly was there a district in Britain to which the 
melancholy tidings did not reach. The uni- 
versal esteem in which the beloved youth was 
held, was manifested by the numerous sermons 
which were preached throughout the country, 
to embalm his memory, and to improve his 
death. In London several were delivered, — 
many singularly eloquent and appropriate; 
several have issued from the press, and have 
been noticed in the preceding pages. The 
sympathy awakened for the mourning church, 
was as general as the regret occasioned by 



144 MEMOIRS, &C. 

their pastor's death. Of Spencer it may be 
truly said, " devout men carried him to his 
burial, and made great lamentation over him," 
whilst the situation of his bereaved people ex- 
cited in every bosom compassion and grief, " for 
they were left as sheep without a shepherd." 
But we do wrong to mourn. His removal 
from our world was the dictate alike of In- 
finite Wisdom and Love. And the time ap- 
pointed for his departure was the best. His 
character had attained that degree of maturi- 
ty, for which God had destined it, on earth — 
he had performed the service which he was 
called to accomplish in the church. His sun 
rose with almost unexampled rapidity to its 
meridian — his work was completed with pro- 
digious speed — yet, having reached his ap- 
pointed elevation, and performed his allotted 
labour — that was the suitable period for re- 
moval. He had witnessed as much impres- 
sion and effect, in his short ministry, as many 
an aged pastor would rejoice to observe, after 
years of incessant toil. Can his death be con- 
sidered, then, as premature? If one labourer 
accomplishes his share of the day's exertions 
an hour or two earlier than his companions, 
may he not be permitted to retire to his rest 
before them? — Spencer has finished his course 
— he rests from his labours — and his works 
do follow him. 

THE END. 



TlWAB^SgHSS 




021 899 329 




